bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neural activation during experimental allodynia: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Maihöfner Christian , Schmelz Martin , Forster Clemens , Neundörfer Bernhard , Handwerker Hermann O. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPain induced by gentle stroking, i.e. dynamic–mechanical allodynia, is one of the most distressing symptoms of neuropathic pain. The underlying neuronal pathways are still a matter of debate. Here, we investigated the cortical activations associated with dynamic‐mechanical allodynia in an experimental human pain model by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Large and stable areas of brush‐evoked allodynia were induced in 11 healthy subjects by topical capsaicin (2.5%, 30 min) application following local heating (45 °C for 5 min), thus combining both physical and chemical sensitization. During the fMRI experiments, allodynia was rekindled by local heat application (40 °C for 5 min) immediately before the allodynia testing. Brushing the untreated forearm (control condition) led to activations of the contralateral primary somatosensory cortex (S1), contralateral parietal association cortex (PA), bilateral secondary somatosensory cortices (S2) and insula (contralateral). Brushing the allodynic skin was painful and the cortical responses were partially overlapping with those induced by the nonpainful brush stimulation. Additionally, the contralateral inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and the ipsilateral insula were activated. Direct comparison between nonpainful brushing and brush‐evoked allodynia revealed significant increases in blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signals in contralateral S1, PA, IFC and bilateral S2/insula during allodynia. This study highlights the importance of a cortical network comprising S1, PA, S2/insula and IFC in the processing of dynamic–mechanical allodynia in the human brain. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the combined heat/capsaicin model can be used successfully in the exploration of brain processes underlying stimulus‐evoked pain.
Zoledronic acid induces apoptosis and inhibits adhesion to mineralized matrix in prostate cancer cells via inhibition of protein prenylation
Authors: Coxon Jonathan P. , Oades Grenville M. , Kirby Roger S. , Colston Kay W. 
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVETo investigate effects of zoledronic acid on apoptosis and adhesion to mineralized matrix in prostate cancer cells, to quantify these actions, and to elucidate some of the underlying molecular mechanisms, in terms of dependence on caspase activation and involvement of protein prenylation.MATERIALS AND METHODSDU145 and PC‐3 prostate cancer cell lines were used; cells were treated with zoledronic acid, with or without several other reagents, to investigate its mechanism of action. Apoptosis was detected using a cell‐death detection enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Adhesion was measured by seeding cells onto mineralized dentine inserts for 24 h, and counting cells after washing.RESULTSApoptosis depended on time and dose; there was significant apoptosis with higher concentrations of zoledronic acid (100 µmol/L) after 24 h of exposure, and in DU145 cells with concentrations as low as 1 µmol/L after 72 h of exposure. The apoptotic effect was diminished by co‐treating with a broad‐spectrum caspase inhibitor, Z‐VAD‐FMK. Zoledronic acid at 1 µmol/L also significantly inhibited cell adhesion to the mineralized matrix. The lipid isoprenoid analogue geranylgeraniol reduced the apoptotic and anti‐adhesive effects of zoledronic acid to a greater degree than farnesol. There was also apoptosis and inhibition of adhesion with direct inhibitors of prenylation, e.g. manumycin A and GGTI‐298. C3 exoenzyme, an inhibitor of RhoA, inhibited adhesion but did not cause apoptosis.CONCLUSIONZoledronic acid induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells via a caspase‐dependent mechanism, and at concentrations as low as 1 µmol/L it also inhibits adhesion of cells to mineralized matrix. These effects appear to be exerted via inhibiting G‐protein prenylation and in particular geranylgeranylation.
Intravesical resiniferatoxin decreases spinal c‐fos expression and increases bladder volume to reflex micturition in rats with chronic inflamed urinary bladders
Authors: Dinis Paulo , Charrua Ana , Avelino António , Cruz Francisco 
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of intravesical resiniferatoxin on spinal c‐fos expression and bladder volume at reflex micturition in rats with chronic urinary bladder inflammation.MATERIALS AND METHODSOf three groups of female Wistar rats, group 1 received cyclophosphamide (75 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally every third day (cyclophosphamide is an antitumoral agent that induces bladder inflammation after urinary excretion of its metabolite, acrolein); group 2 comprised sham‐inflamed rats that received saline instead of cyclophosphamide, and group 3 received cyclophosphamide, as group 1, every third day but plus 10 nmol/L resiniferatoxin intravesically, through a urethral catheter, at 7 days. At 8 days, under urethane anaesthesia, a needle was inserted in the bladder dome and saline infused at 6 mL/h for 2 h. Finally the animals were perfusion‐fixed through the ascending aorta with 4% paraformaldehyde. Transverse sections cut from L6 spinal cord segments were immunoreacted for Fos protein and positive cells in the dorsal horn counted. In a further set of equal groups the bladders were prepared in the same way under urethane anaesthesia and after 30‐min of stabilization, saline was infused at 6 mL/h and the volume evoking reflex micturition determined.RESULTSThe mean (Sd) number of positive c‐fos cells per spinal cord section was 85 (21), 42 (9) (P = 0.002) and 55 (10) in groups 1 to 3, respectively; the values for group 2 and 3 were similar (P = 0.22) and statistically less than that of group 1 (P = 0.02). Reflex micturition occurred at, respectively, 0.26 (0.09), 0.49 (0.18) and 0.52 (0.11) mL, being similar in group 2 and 3 (P = 0.74) but lower in group 1 (P = 0.003).CONCLUSIONIntravesical resiniferatoxin decreases c‐fos expression and increases bladder capacity in chronically inflamed rat bladders. These findings suggest that desensitizing the vanilloid receptor type 1 by intravesical resiniferatoxin is relevant to the treatment of pain and voiding frequency in patients with chronic inflammatory bladder conditions.
Pelvic fracture‐associated urethral injuries in girls: experience with primary repair
Authors: Dorairajan Lalgudi N. , Gupta Harendra , Kumar Santosh 
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVETo present our experience with four urethral injuries in females accompanying a pelvic fracture, managed with primary repair or realignment of the urethra.PATIENTS AND METHODSThere were three teenage girls and one adult (22 years old). All the patients had complete urethral injuries associated with a pelvic fracture from accidents. They were managed by immediate suprapubic cystostomy followed by repair or realignment of the urethra over a catheter on the same day. The catheter was removed after 3 weeks and a voiding cysto‐urethrogram taken. Thereafter they were followed with regular urethral calibration.RESULTSAll patients voided satisfactorily with a good stream; three were fully continent and the fourth had transient stress urinary incontinence. One patient needed dilatation at 2 months and another visual internal urethrotomy at 5 months. At a mean (range) follow‐up of 33 (9–60) months all the patients had a normal voiding pattern and were continent; none developed vaginal stenosis.CONCLUSIONPrimary repair of the urethra, and if that is impossible, simple urethral realignment over a catheter, is the procedure of choice for managing female urethral injury associated with a pelvic fracture. The procedure has the additional advantage of reducing the risk of vaginal stenosis.
The role of glycoproteins in calcium oxalate crystal development
Authors: Grases Felix , Isern Bernat , Perelló Joan , Costa‐Bauzá Antonia 
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the effects of a glycoprotein (mucine) on calcium oxalate crystal development in different conditions and situations, to clarify some of its possible effects.MATERIALS AND METHODSCrystallization was assessed using a batch system in presence of mucine suspensions, by kinetic‐turbidimetric measurements, and using a flow system in the presence of retained agglomerates of mucine, evaluating the precipitated calcium oxalate.RESULTSIn batch conditions low mucine concentrations (<15 mg/L) inhibited calcium oxalate nucleation and higher concentrations (<250 mg/L) inhibited calcium phosphate nucleation, whereas at high concentrations there was also promotion. The presence of an aggregate of mucine in the flow system provoked calcium oxalate monohydrate crystallization at 0.691 µg/h per mg of mucine. In flow conditions pyrophosphate at 11.5 µmol/L caused a decrease of 84% in the calcium oxalate crystallized on mucine, 1.32 mmol/L of citrate a decrease of a 83%, 20 mg/L of pentosan polysulphate a decrease by 80%, and 7.58 µmol/L phytate totally prevented the crystallization of calcium oxalate on mucine.CONCLUSIONAll substances inhibiting calcium oxalate crystallization with the capacity to interact with calcium ions also have crystallization promoting properties when they are at sufficiently high concentrations, because of their capacity to form agglomerates or the insolubility of their calcium salts.
Patient‐adjusted intermittent electrostimulation for treating stress and urge urinary incontinence
Authors: Nissenkorn Israel , Shalev Moshe , Radziszewski Piotr , Dobronski Piotr , Borkowski Andrzej , De Jong Peter R. 
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the safety and efficacy of pelvic floor muscle electrostimulation (ES) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or mixed UI (MUI, urge and interstitial cystitis), using a new portable electrostimulator (Miniaturo, Biocontrol Medical Inc., Yehud, Israel) which delivers different forms of stimulation for treating these two conditions.PATIENTS AND METHODSFor SUI the stimulator is activated on demand only by a sudden increase in intra‐abdominal pressure; for frequency and urgency a milder, continuous ES is used. The intensity of ES can be adjusted according to the patient's sensation. Women were enrolled into the study after satisfying inclusion criteria and pad testing; 23 participated in two study groups, i.e. 16 with SUI and seven with MUI (severe frequency, urgency and urge, and mild SUI). The pelvic floor muscles were stimulated through an electrode inserted paraurethrally, positioned similarly in all patients. In patients with SUI and MUI a pressure sensor was also inserted into the rectum, to record intra‐abdominal pressure. Stimulation was applied for 1–4 h in patients with SUI and for 6 h in those with MUI. The evaluation was based on urinary symptoms (frequency, urgency, leaking episodes), quality‐of‐life questionnaires and pad tests at baseline and during stimulation.RESULTSAll patients in both groups improved significantly; of the 16 patients with SUI, nine were completely dry during ES, and the remaining seven had a reduced mean pad weight, from 23 to 6 g (74%). There was no significant reduction in pad weight after sham ES (17 g before vs 24.2 g after). In four patients with SUI who continued ES for 4 h the mean cumulative stimulation time (calculated from the stimulator memory) was 3 min (1.3% of 4 h). In the MUI group there were no leakage episodes during ES and significant reductions in voiding variables (Student's t‐test) in all. The mean (Sd) voiding frequency, urinary urgency and leaking episodes decreased from 8.1 (4.2) to 1.9 (1.5), 6.4 (2.3) to 0.7 (1.3) and 2.1 (0.7) to 0.7 (0.5) (all P < 0.001), respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe concept of this ES system for treating UI is promising; this study supports the efficacy of this form of ES but no conclusions about clinical efficacy are possible at this stage, and thus a trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this implantable device is ongoing.
Predictive value of primary Gleason pattern 4 in patients with Gleason score 7 tumours treated with radical prostatectomy
Authors: Khoddami Seyed M. , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Lotan Yair , Saboorian Hossein , McConnell John D. , Sagalowsky Arthur I. , Roehrborn Claus G. , Koeneman Kenneth S. 
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVETo examine whether Gleason score (GS) 3 + 4 and 4 + 3 cancers at radical prostatectomy behave differently and whether this behaviour is independently associated with prostate cancer outcome.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom July 1994 to December 2002 309 consecutive men who had a radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized disease had final GS 7 tumours in their prostatectomy specimen. Statistical analyses, including multivariate logistic regression, were used to evaluate the association between variables, i.e. standard preoperative features, stage, PSA progression, standard pathological variables, metastasis and death.RESULTSIn all, 215 patients (70%) had a final GS of 3 + 4 and 94 (30%) of 4 + 3. A final GS of 4 + 3 was associated with clinical stage T2 disease (P = 0.024), a higher biopsy GS (P < 0.001), seminal vesicle involvement (P < 0.001), positive surgical margins (P = 0.036), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.018), metastases to regional lymph nodes (P = 0.008), higher preoperative serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) (P = 0.042), and percentage positive biopsy cores (P = 0.006). In univariate analysis, patients with GS 4 + 3 had a significantly higher risk of biochemical progression than those with GS 3 + 4 (P = 0.002). The 5‐year actuarial risk of biochemical progression was 17% and 35% for GS 3 + 4 and 4 + 3, respectively (P = 0.0016). In a standard postoperative multivariate analysis, only preoperative PSA and metastases to regional lymph nodes were associated with PSA progression (P < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). However, patients with final GS 4 + 3 had a shorter PSA doubling time after progression than those with GS 3 + 4 (P = 0.009).CONCLUSIONSTumours with a final GS of 4 + 3 are more aggressive than GS 3 + 4 tumours. Recognising the distinction in GS 7 between predominant 4 vs 3 scores after radical prostatectomy should improve the ability of clinicians to counsel patients. The GS 4 pattern deserves further molecular study.
Complexed prostate specific antigen (PSA) reduces unnecessary prostate biopsies in the 2.6–4.0 ng/mL range of total PSA
Authors: Parsons J. Kellogg , Brawer Michael K. , Cheli Carol D. , Partin Alan W. , Djavan Robert 
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVETo compare the performance of complexed prostate‐specific antigen (cPSA) to total PSA (tPSA) and percentage free PSA (f/tPSA) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer for the tPSA range 2.6–4.0 ng/mL.PATIENTS AND METHODSConsecutive men scheduled for prostate biopsy were enrolled prospectively at 14 different sites in two multicentre studies in Europe and the USA. Serum obtained before biopsy was tested with the ACS:180 and Immuno 1 tPSA and cPSA assays (Bayer Diagnostics, Tarrytown, NY, USA) and the Access fPSA and tPSA assays (Beckman, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were generated to compare the diagnostic performance of tPSA, cPSA and f/tPSA.RESULTSOf 316 men with a tPSA of 2.6–4.0 ng/mL, 82 (26%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer on biopsy. ROC analysis of all 316 men showed an area under the curve (AUC) for cPSA of 0.63, significantly greater than the AUC for tPSA of 0.56 (P = 0.008). At a sensitivity of 95%, threshold values of 2.3 ng/mL for cPSA and 2.73 ng/mL for tPSA provided specificities of 20.1% and 9.8%, respectively. f/tPSA was only available for 205 of the 316 (65%) men and the AUC for cPSA was 0.63, and did not significantly differ from the f/tPSA AUC of 0.64 (P = 0.58).CONCLUSIONSAs a single test, cPSA provides improved specificity over tPSA and comparable specificity to f/tPSA for detecting prostate cancer, and may reduce the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies in the 2.6–4.0 ng/mL tPSA range.
Reconstruction of the sympathetic pathway projecting to the prostate, by nerve grafting in the dog
Authors: Hyochi Nobuhiko , Kihara Kazunori , Arai Gaku , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Sato Kenji 
Published: June 2004

OBJECTIVESTo examine the possibility of nerve grafting to repair the sympathetic pathway projecting to the prostate, as contraction of the prostate is known to be controlled by the sympathetic pathway via the hypogastric nerve (HGN), and injuries to the pathway cause significant disturbances in prostatic secretion.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn six dogs both of the HGNs were partly removed and immediately repaired with an autologous nerve graft. The left HGN was repaired with a colonic (autonomic) nerve graft and the right with a genitofemoral (somatic) nerve graft. Twenty months after surgery the reconstruction of the sympathetic pathway was assessed by measuring contraction of the prostate after stimulating the lumbar splanchnic nerves (LSNs).RESULTSNine of the 17 right LSNs stimulated elicited prostatic contractions. After transecting the left HGN five of these nine responses were restored. Seven of the 11 left LSNs stimulated elicited prostatic contractions; after transection of the left HGN four of these seven responses were preserved.CONCLUSIONThe sympathetic pathways via the HGN to the canine prostate can be reconstructed by nerve grafting, regardless of the use of autonomic or somatic nerve grafts, and the cross‐innervation mechanism from the LSN to the prostate can also be repaired.
Napoleon's Lost Legions: French Prisoners of War in Britain, 1803–1814
Authors: DALY GAVIN 
Published: June 2004

AbstractDuring the Napoleonic Wars, over 100,000 French prisoners of war were held captive in Britain. These prisoners remain a marginal group in the military history of the period, yet they represent a key turning point in the history of European prisoners of war, and their predicament offers insights into the nature of the French Revolution. This article considers the treatment and experiences of French prisoners, and in particular seeks to understand the circumstances surrounding their long‐term captivity. Unlike eighteenth‐century prisoners of war, prisoners of the Napoleonic Wars remained captive for the duration of the conflict, unable to return home through the traditional means of prisoner exchange or officer parole. This radical departure from the past gave rise to the modern practice of interning prisoners of war for the entire duration of a war. This historic shift was, on the one level, a result of the actions of one man – Napoleon Bonaparte. Yet, as this article highlights, it must also be understood as part of the long‐term social and cultural legacy of the French Revolution.
No Secrets Between ‘Special Friends’: America's Involvement in British Economic Policy, October 1964–April 1965
Authors: ROY RAJ 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe war in Vietnam has dominated the historiography of American foreign relations in the 1960s, and in particular the foreign policy of President Lyndon Johnson. The military difficulties endured by the United States in Vietnam, together with a number of international economic crises, have all been conclusive evidence, in the eyes of diplomatic historians, of the decline in the power and influence of the United States during this period. Historical treatments of the relationship between Britain and the United States have been equally gloomy, with the visible tensions and ill‐feeling between Lyndon Johnson and the British prime minister, Harold Wilson, being highlighted. Through an examination of the involvement of the United States in the British government's domestic economic policy in late 1964 and early 1965, this article argues that the United States, far from simply managing the process of decline, had come to use new and more subtle techniques to wield considerable power and influence in the domestic politics of its allies. Moreover, whilst the conduct of the war in Vietnam may have generated personal tensions at the highest level, common interests ensured that Britain and the United States continued to enjoy an extremely close relationship in the economic sphere.
Beyond ‘Euroland’: British trade unions, the single currency and European integration
Authors: Mulhearn Chris 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACTBritish trade unions have differing perspectives as to the desirability of UK membership of the eurozone. This paper provides a critical review of the spectrum of union views and highlights key points of disagreement and areas of common ground. An agenda for further reflection upon the euro by the unions is also offered. Finally, the paper considers union positions on the implications of the wider process of European integration for industrial relations.
The effects of age discrimination legislation on workplace practice: a New Zealand case study
Authors: Wood Geoffrey , Harcourt Mark , Harcourt Sondra 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACTThis article explores the effects of the legal prohibition of age discrimination in New Zealand, based on a survey of the recruiting practices of individual organisations. Its findings indicate that many firms continue to breach the law through a continued emphasis on age during the recruitment process. Age‐related information is directly or indirectly requested from a sizeable percentage of job applicants. The findings highlight the importance of the socio‐economic context in which legislation is enacted. As with unwritten rules, the impact of law in a specific context is inevitably circumscribed by the deeply embedded nature of practice, especially if enforcement is lax.
Rice versus fish revisited: On the integrated management of floodplain resources in Bangladesh
Authors: Shankar Bhavani , Halls Ashley , Barr Julian 
Published: June 2004

Abstract Disproportionately little attention has been paid to the dry season trade‐off between rice and (inland capture) fish production on the floodplains of Bangladesh, compared to the same trade‐off during the flood season. As the rural economy grows increasingly dominated by dry‐season irrigated rice production, and floodplain land and water come under ever‐increasing pressure during the dry winter months, there is an urgent need to focus attention on these dry months that are so critical to the survival and propagation of the floodplain resident fish, and to the poor people that depend on these fish for their livelihood. This article examines three important dry‐season natural resource constraints to floodplain livelihoods in Bangladesh, and finds a common factor at the heart of all three: rice cultivation on lands at low and very low elevations. The article articulates the system interlinkages that bind these constraints and the long‐run trend towards irrigated rice cropping on lower‐lying lands, and suggests a management approach based on locally tailored strategies to arrest this trend. Apart from its direct relevance to the floodplains of Bangladesh, which support more than 100 million people, these lessons have relevance for river floodplain systems elsewhere in the developing world, notably the Mekong Delta.