bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PMT13, a pyrimidone analogue of thiazolidinedione improves insulin resistance‐associated disorders in animal models of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chakrabarti R. , Vikramadithyan R. K. , Kumar M. Prem , Kumar S. K. B. , Mamidi N. V. S. , Misra P. , Suresh J. , Hiriyan J. , Rao C. S. , Rajagopalan R. 
Published: March 2003

Aim: To evaluate the antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic potential of a novel thiazolidinedione, PMT13, in different animal models of insulin resistance.Methods: PPAR transactivation study was performed in HEK293T cells using ligand binding domains of PPARα, γ and δ. Insulin‐resistant db/db and ob/ob mice were treated orally with different doses of PMT13 at 0.3–10 mg/kg/day for 15 and 14 days respectively. Zucker fa/fa rats were treated with 3 mg/kg (p.o.) dose of the compound. Plasma glucose, triglyceride, free fatty acid and insulin levels were measured. Liver glucose 6‐phosphatase (G6‐Ptase) and adipose lipoprotein lipase activity was measured in treated mice. Isolated rat aortic preparations preconstricted with phenylephrine were used to study the vascular relaxation potential of PMT13 in presence of insulin. A 28‐day oral toxicity study was performed in Wistar rats.Results: PMT13 showed similar PPARγ activation as rosiglitazone, but failed to show any activity against PPARα or PPARδ. In obese and diabetic db/db and ob/ob mice, PMT13 showed better reduction in plasma glucose, triglyceride and insulin levels than rosiglitazone and an improvement in glucose tolerance. In insulin‐resistant Zucker fa/fa rat model, PMT13 treatment showed better reduction in plasma triglyceride, free fatty acid and insulin levels than that of rosiglitazone. Treated mice showed decreased G6‐Ptase activity in liver. The LPL activity was increased in post‐heparin plasma and epididymal fat of treated db/db mice. In an isolated, precontracted rat aortic preparation, PMT13 treatment significantly increased insulin‐induced relaxation. A 28‐day oral toxicity study in rats showed no treatment‐related adverse effects.Conclusion: Our studies indicate that PMT13 is a potent activator of PPARγ with antidiabetic, hypolipidaemic and insulin‐sensitizing properties. Additionally, PMT13 inhibited liver G6‐Ptase activity and increased lipoprotein lipase activity. It showed improvement in insulin‐induced vasorelaxation. The compound also showed a good safety margin. Therefore, PMT13 can be a potential drug candidate for future development.
A longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of differences in abdominal fat distribution between normal mice, and lean overexpressors of mitochondrial uncoupling protein‐3 (UCP‐3)
Authors: Changani K. K. , Nicholson A. , White A. , Latcham J. K. , Reid D. G. , Clapham J. C. 
Published: March 2003

Aim: To characterize evolution and distribution of abdominal adipose fat between 6 and 18 weeks of age in an animal model of energy consumption based on mice overexpressing the mitochondrial uncoupler protein 3 (UCP‐3).Methods: T2‐weighted multislice MRI was performed six times during the 12 week study; visceral, subcutaneous and intermuscular fat depots were quantified.Results: The overexpressor (UCP‐3tg) mice consistently have less subcutaneous, visceral, interskeletal muscle and total fat throughout the experiment. Mean (standard error) volumes (ml) of the three distinct depots change between week 6 and week 18 as follows: wild type: subcutaneous 1.93 (0.28) to 6.18 (0.47), visceral 2.15 (0.34) to 6.37 (0.64), intermuscular 0.23 (0.04) to 0.53 (0.03); UCP‐3tg: subcutaneous 1.47 (0.17) to 4.07 (0.57), visceral 1.18 (0.04) to 3.69 (0.59), intermuscular 0.23 (0.01) to 0.32 (0.04). Although they eat more (4.3 g compared with 3.4 g per day) the UCP‐3tg's always weigh less than controls. In wild‐type control animals, increases of all fat pools between week 6 and week 18 is highly significant, as it is for subcutaneous, visceral and total pools in the UCP‐3tg animals. The UCP‐3tg mice, however, show no significant absolute or relative increase in intermuscular fat; UCP‐3 is predominantly overexpressed in skeletal muscle.Conclusion: MRI provides an excellent approach to comparative studies of fat distribution in animal models of energy expenditure such as the UCP‐3tg mouse.
Structure and development of the ctenial spines on the scales of a teleost fish, the cichlid Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum
Authors: Sire Jean‐Yves , Arnulf Isabelle 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSire, J.‐Y. and Arnulf, I. 2000. Structure and development of the ctenial spines on the scales of a teleost fish, the cichlid Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum. — Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 81: 139–158Numerous teleost species possess ctenoid scales characterized by the presence of ctenial spines arranged in rows (the cteni) along their posterior, free margin. Whilst the morphology and function of the ctenial spines are similar to those of odontodes (extra‐oral teeth), e.g. in armored catfish, their homology is questionable. To address this problem, we have studied ctenial spine development, structure, attachment to a bony support, and replacement with the aim of comparing these features to those described for odontodes. The ctenial spines have been studied in a growth series of the cichlid Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Ctenial spines are entirely constituted of a collagen matrix. They lack a pulp cavity and, although their distal end can be in contact with the epidermal basal layer cells, they are not covered by an enameloid‐like tissue. They are attached to the scale by means of a narrow strand of unmineralized collagen matrix acting as a ligament and allowing spines to be movable. The ctenial spines develop as prolongations of the external layer of the scale, a woven‐fibroid collagen matrix, and subsequently grow by addition of parallel‐fibred collagen matrix. New ctenial spines are added at the posterior scale border in waves that follow the same rhythm as the deposition of circuli in the anterior region. From the focus region to the scale border, the ctenial spines constitute lines in which only the most posterior ctenial spine is functional. The other spines that are no longer functional are not shed but resorbed from the top, and their attachment region mineralizes and thickens by deposition of new material. The remnants of spines constitute the main part of the superficial layer of the scale in which anchoring bundles attach; this region is covered afterwards by the limiting layer, a tissue devoid of collagen fibrils.Because of their tooth‐like morphology (shape and size), their posterior orientation and their attachment to the scale surface, the ctenial spines resemble odontodes. Moreover, both elements perform a similar hydrodynamic function. Nevertheless, the structure and development of the ctenial spines differ completely from those of odontodes and consequently, they cannot be considered homologous elements. Ctenial spines and odontodes in teleosts provide us with a beautiful example of homoplasy; they share shape and function, but have a different origin as evidenced by their different structure and process of development.
Calcitonin‐immunoreactive cells of the digestive tract of the amphioxus are distributed concentrically in a restricted region of the mid‐gut
Authors: Urata M. , Sasayama Y. , Matada M. , Kambegawa A. , Suzuki N. , Srivastav A. K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn amphioxus (Branchiostoma belcheri), calcitonin‐immunoreactive cells of the digestive tract were distributed concentrically in a 1‐mm region of the latter half of the mid‐gut. In the mid‐gut caecum these cells were also present, but were dispersed throughout the length. The total number of cells in both parts ranged from 280 to 1157, varying from individual to individual, although the number in the mid‐gut caecum was only 100–200. These cells were morphologically typical gut endocrine cells. Considering their morphology and the characteristics of their distribution pattern, these cells may be related to some phenomena of digestive processes.
Transurethral needle ablation for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis
Authors: Lee K.C. , Jung P.B. , Park H.S. , Whang J.H. , Lee J.G. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To investigate the efficacy of transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of the prostate for treating chronic nonbacterial prostatitis unresponsive to conservative therapies. Patients and methods Forty‐two patients (mean age 38.5 years, range 25–52) with nonbacterial prostatitis in whom clinical management was unsuccessful in relieving the symptoms or signs of prostatitis were treated using TUNA. All patients had a high leukocyte count (> 15 per high‐power field) in expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) with no bacterial growth in either urine or prostatic secretion cultures. Before TUNA all patients were evaluated using a symptom score, satisfaction score (quality of life) and an examination of prostatic secretions. All patients were reassessed using the same variables 1 and 3 months after TUNA. Of the 42 patients, 10 had their semen analysed before and 3 months after treatment. Results The mean (sd) symptom and satisfaction scores improved significantly, from 11.02 (2.90) to 5.00 (2.61) and from 4.84 (0.57) to 1.26 (1.18), respectively, 3 months after TUNA (both P < 0.05). Of the 42 patients, 30 (71%) had normal EPS results within 3 months of TUNA. Also, of 37 patients with high leukocyte counts (> 100 per high‐power field) before TUNA, 26 (70%) had normal EPS results within 3 months afterward, and 29 (78%) had a satisfaction score of < 3 points. Conclusions TUNA may be a possible treatment option for patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis that is unresponsive to conservative therapies. A long‐term follow‐up and randomized studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of the TUNA against intractable chronic prostatitis.
Prevalence of undiagnosed prostate cancer in men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Sairam K. , Kulinskaya E. , Boustead G.B. , Hanbury D.C. , McNicholas T.A. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To explore the prevalence of prostate cancer in men presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED). Patients and methods In a prospective study, 127 men with ED of at least 6 months duration underwent screening for prostate cancer using prostate specific antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal examination (DRE). Men with a high PSA level (> 4 ng/mL) had sextant biopsies taken under sedoanalgesia. The serum testosterone level was measured in all the men. Results Twenty‐six men were aged < 50 years and all had a normal PSA level; of 101 men aged > 50 years, 20 had an abnormal PSA. The detection rate for prostate cancer using PSA and DRE was 5%, which was not significantly higher than in the general population. All the detected cancers were clinically significant (> T2a, Gleason grade > 4). Two of the five men diagnosed with prostate cancer were Afro‐Caribbean. Of the 127 men, 31% had a low serum testosterone level, but there was no association between testosterone and PSA levels. Conclusions Prostate cancer is no more common in men with ED than in the normal male population. Therefore, routine screening for prostate cancer in men with ED is not indicated.
Genetic changes in stage pT2N0 prostate cancer studied by comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Wolter H. , Gottfried H.W. , Mattfeldt T. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To identify chromosomal regions important for progression in clinically organ‐confined prostate cancer, as the genetic changes underlying the development and progression of prostate cancer are poorly understood. Materials and methods Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to search for DNA sequence copy‐number changes in a series of 50 primary organ‐confined prostate adenocarcinomas (pT2N0) removed by radical prostatectomy. Results CGH analysis indicated that 23 (46%) of the primary prostate adenocarcinomas showed chromosome alterations. The percentage of tumours with losses (38%) was higher than with gains (28%). Losses of 13q (24%), 8p (18%), 6q (10%), 16q (8%), 18q (6%) and 5q (6%) and gains of 17q (12%), 20q (12%), 9q (10%), 17p (8%) and 8q (6%) were the most frequent alterations. Amplifications were found at 8q24‐qter. Minimal overlapping regions of loss, indicative of the presence of tumour‐suppressor genes, were mapped to 13q21.1‐q21.3 and 8p21.2, and minimal overlapping regions of gain, indicative of the presence of oncogenes, were found at 9q34.4‐qter, 17q25‐qter and 20q13.3‐qter. There was a significant association between Gleason score and losses and gains (P = 0.003), and an association between chromosomal imbalance and high histological grade (P = 0.008). Conclusion These results suggest that losses or gains of DNA in these regions are important for prostate cancer progression, and document the spectrum of chromosomal alterations in stage pT2N0 of clinically organ‐confined prostate cancer.
Contralateral response in renal pelvic pressure and diuresis during increasing ipsilateral pelvic pressure and flow: a study of the normal and denervated upper urinary tract in pigs
Authors: Holst U. , Tuckus G. , Frokiaer J. , Djurhuus J.C. , Mortensen J. 
Published: March 2003

Objective  To examine, in young pigs, changes in baseline pelvic pressure and diuresis in the contralateral kidney during conditions of increasing pelvic pressure and perfusion with isotonic saline in the ipsilateral renal pelvis; the role of a reno‐renal nervous mechanism was examined by denervating the kidneys, and the effect of bladder filling on these variables assessed.Materials and methods  Female pigs (37–40 kg) were assessed under general anaesthesia. Transparenchymally, one 6 F and two 6 F catheters were introduced into the right and left renal pelvis, respectively. Through a bladder incision an 8 F catheter was introduced 10 cm into the right ureter to collect urine and the orifice closed around the catheter. For bladder drainage and to measure bladder pressure a 10 F catheter was placed in the bladder and both the 8 F and 10 F catheters lead out through the urethra. In group A, five animals served as controls, with group B comprising eight with intact nerves and group C eight with denervated kidneys. In group B and C the left renal pelvis was perfused with isotonic saline at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16 mL/min while the bilateral pelvic pressure and right renal diuresis were recorded; the bladder was kept empty and 0.5 h later the left pelvis was perfused with 10 mL/min while the bladder catheter was closed. Perfusion continued until micturition occurred. The bilateral pelvic pressure, bladder pressure and right renal diuresis were recorded. In group C the kidneys were surgically denervated, dividing all adhesions and all connective tissue around the pelvis and the vascular pedicle. The renal artery was freed to the aortic level.Results  During the pressure‐perfusion study the mean (sd) right pelvic pressure was 7.4 (0.2) mmHg in group B and 8.6 (0.2) mmHg in group C. The diuresis from the right kidney in both groups was similar and the same as that in group A. The perfusion rate and pressure on the left side had no influence on pelvic pressure and diuresis on the right side. During perfusion with a full bladder the right pelvic pressure was 8.6 mmHg in group B and 9.5 mmHg in group C. Diuresis in group B was ≈ 0.6 mL/min and a little higher in group C, at ≈ 1 mL/min, but identical to that in group A.Conclusion  These results indicate that a reno‐renal reflex mechanism has no apparent role in young pigs during pressure‐perfusion measurements with an empty or full bladder.
Percutaneous transperineal radiofrequency ablation of prostate tumour: safety, feasibility and pathological effects on human prostate cancer
Authors: Zlotta  , Djavan  , Matos  , Noel  , Peny  , Silverman  , Marberger  , Schulman  
Published: March 2003

Objective To evaluate the safety of radiofrequency (RF) energy delivered interstitially in patients with prostate cancer scheduled for radical prostatectomy and to correlate the proposed theoretical lesion size with the pathological findings.Patients and methods Radiofrequency interstitial tumour ablation (RITA) was performed in 15 patients with localized prostate cancer before radical surgery. RF energy was delivered to the prostate by active needle electrodes (monopolar or bipolar) placed transperineally under transrectal ultrasonography guidance. Needle electrodes were used with different configurations and in some cases were covered by retractable shields to vary the length and circumference of the thermal lesions created. In eight patients, the procedure was performed immediately before radical prostatectomy, in six RITA was performed under spinal anaesthesia 1 week before surgery and in one patient, no surgery was performed but the patient was followed by serial determinations of prostate specific antigen (PSA). At least two lesions were created in each prostate, including both capsule and peripheral zones. NADPH and haematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining were used to assess the extent of the necrotic lesion in the radical prostatectomy specimen.Results The mean energy delivered was 10.5 kJ, with central temperatures reaching up to 105 °C during 12 min of ablation; rectal temperature remained at <38 °C. There were no complications. Macroscopic examination showed well‐demarcated lesions including the prostatic capsule, up to 2.2×1.5×4.5 cm. With monopolar energy, the observed lesion size was comparable to the predicted 2×2×2 cm lesion, while with bipolar energy, lesion size was related to interneedle distance and uncovered needle length. Microscopic examination showed clearly delineated lesions both with NADPH (in prostates immediately removed after surgery) and H&E (at 1 week after RITA) staining. The lesion size observed on pathological analysis correlated with the predicted lesion size. In one patient, no residual cancer was found in the specimen. In the patient whose entire prostate was targeted and followed by serial PSA measurements, the latter were undetectable at 3 months of follow‐up.Conclusion Transperineally delivered RF energy is capable of safely creating extensive coagulative necrotic lesions in prostate cancer tissue, in a reproducible and controlled manner. The results presented here provide basic information for the potential future application of this form of energy for localized prostate cancer.
Transurethral incision versus resection of the prostate for small to medium benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Jahnson  , DalÉn  , Gustavsson  , Pedersen  
Published: March 2003

Objective To compare the effects of transurethral incision and resection of the prostate in patients with small to medium benign prostatic hyperplasia.Patients and methods Patients were assessed pre‐operatively using the Madsen‐Iversen symptom score, post‐ void residual urine volume, urinary flow and cystoscopy. Those eligible for the study were randomized to undergo either transurethral incision or resection of the prostate. Follow‐up visits were scheduled at 2–3, 6, 12, 24 and 60 months post‐operatively with an assessment by symptom score and urinary flow rate; most patients also underwent cystoscopy at 24 and 60 months.Results The maximum urinary flow rate was significantly higher in those undergoing resection than incision at all but the last follow‐up visits. Cystoscopy 24 months after surgery showed adhesions between the lateral lobes, closed incisions or obstructing prostatic lobes in most of the patients undergoing incision, but not in those resected (P<0.001, chi‐square test). During follow‐up, a second transurethral procedure was carried out for persistent or recurrent symptoms, combined with a maximum urinary flow rate of <10.0 mL/s, in 10 patients who underwent incision and in three who were resected (P=0.039, chi‐square test).Conclusion Transurethral resection is preferable to transurethral incision of the prostate in the treatment of small to medium benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Autologous and allogenic hybrid cell vaccine in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kugler  , Seseke  , Thelen  , Kallerhoff  , MÜller  , Stuhler  , MÜller  , Ringert  
Published: March 2003

Objective To evaluate the safety, acute and long‐term toxicity and therapeutic activity of an allogenic and an autologous hybrid cell vaccine in patients with progressive metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Patients and methods Eleven patients were vaccinated with a lethally irradiated hybrid cell vaccine of allogenic RCC tumour cells fused with major histocompatibility complex class I‐matched and class II‐unmatched activated allogenic lymphocytes. These patients were then followed for a mean of 11 months. Another 13 patients were vaccinated with a hybrid cell vaccine of autologous tumour cells fused with allogenic activated lymphocytes and followed for a mean of 6 months.Results Six of the 11 patients receiving the allogenic vaccination showed an initial response, with two complete and two partial responses to date. Only three patients who received autologous vaccination responded to treatment.Conclusions Hybrid cell vaccination is a promising new approach in the treatment of patients with advanced RCC.
No difference in survival between sporadic, familial and hereditary prostate cancer
Authors: GRÖnberg  , Damber  , Tavelin  , Damber  
Published: March 2003

Objective To estimate the survival of men with familial prostate cancer and compare them with prostate cancer cases unselected for family history.Patients and methods The overall and prostate cancer‐specific survival was calculated in two large (249 and 304 men, respectively) population‐based cohorts of men with familial prostate cancer. The tumour grade at diagnosis was also obtained in one of the cohorts.Results There were no significant differences in either overall or prostate cancer‐specific survival between familial and sporadic cases. The spectrum of tumour grades at diagnosis in familial cases did not differ from that in a population with prostate cancer unselected for family history.Conclusion No differences in treatment between men with or without a positive family history of prostate cancer are justified, based on the result from this study.
A circumcision service for religious reasons
Authors: Shah  , Raistrick  , Taylor  , Young  , Menebhi  , Stevens  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo review the results of a pioneering service introduced under National Health Service (NHS) cover, providing circumcision on religious grounds.Subjects and methodsThe service was offered to all male babies aged 6–14 weeks. Circumcision was carried out using the Plastibell technique under 1% lignocaine ring block/penile block anaesthesia. Between July 1996 and August 1998, 168 circumcisions were performed and assessed postoperatively by telephone enquiry, visiting at home by the nurse and review at the hospital if and when required.ResultsOf the 168 babies, 31 required some follow‐up care. In six babies the separated ring tracked back onto the shaft of the penis and had to be removed using a ring‐cutter. Ten babies were referred for incomplete separation of the Plastibell ring; only two required removal, the rest of the rings detaching spontaneously within a few days. Two babies were reviewed for early separation of the ring and seven were reviewed for bleeding within 24 h of the operation. Two of these were immediately after circumcision, when the bleeding was seen to be from the torn frenulum. They were converted to a more formal circumcision without the Plastibell under the same anaesthesia. Surveillance with no intervention was required in the others, except one who needed a compression dressing. One baby had apyrexia, requiring antibiotics. Four babies had suspected wound infection but none was clinically significant. One parent remained dissatisfied and complained about the inadequate removal of the foreskin.ConclusionThe aim of the service was to provide safe circumcision requested on religious grounds. The technique was simple and easily learned by nurses. Parents have generally been very satisfied and the complication rate was acceptable, with most problems occurring early in the series, suggesting an improvement with experience.