bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The outcome of renal denervation for managing loin pain haematuria syndrome
Authors: Greenwell T.J. , Peters J.L. , Neild G.H. , Shah P.J.R. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the outcome of renal denervation for the treatment of loin pain‐haematuria syndrome (LPHS), a rare syndrome of unknown cause associated with debilitating and intractable loin pain.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe case notes of 32 patients having 41 renal denervations were reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, possible causes, cure or not after renal denervation, time to recurrence of pain after denervation and further operative intervention for managing LPHS.RESULTSFull data were available for 24 patients (13 women; median age 43 years, range 28–74) having 33 denervations (eight bilateral and one repeat) with a median follow‐up of 39.5 months. Most patients had no identifiable underlying cause although many had initially been diagnosed as having stone disease (42%) or pyelonephritis (25%), but with no corroborative evidence. All patients had been extensively investigated and had normal urine samples and cytology, and no abnormality on intravenous urography, renal tract ultrasonography and isotopic renography. Twenty‐four renal denervations (73%) were followed by recurrent ipsilateral pain at a median (range) of 11 (0–120) months after surgery. Nine denervations (25%) in six men and two women were curative (median follow‐up 16.5 months). Of those with recurrent pain, nine (38%) proceeded to nephrectomy, of whom three then developed loin pain on the contralateral side and two developed disabling wound pain. The analgesic requirement was less after eight non‐curative denervations. There were no significant postoperative complications.CONCLUSIONSRenal denervation has only a 25% success rate for managing pain associated with LPHS and should be used cautiously for this indication. Men had more benefit from the treatment; a third of patients had less requirement for analgesic after non‐curative denervation.
Dynamic gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance urography for assessing drainage in dilated pelvicalyceal systems with moderate renal function: preliminary results and comparison with diuresis renography
Authors: Chu W.C.W. , Lam W.W.M. , Chan K.W. , Yeung C.K. , Lee K.H. , Sihoe J.D.Y. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the use of dynamic gadolinium diethylenetriaminepenta‐acetic acid (DTPA)‐enhanced magnetic resonance urography (Gd‐MRU) for assessing kidneys with markedly dilated pelvicalyceal systems and impaired function.PATIENTS AND METHODSEight children (mean age 30 months, sd 25) were assessed, diagnosed as having gross unilateral hydronephrosis with a mean (sd) anteroposterior renal pelvic diameter of 36 (7) mm and reduced (30–40%) renal function. Dynamic Gd‐MRU was performed after the patients were pre‐loaded with intravenous fluid and diuretics, and comprised a dynamic T1‐weighted sequence after Gd‐DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg body weight) was administered, with a time‐intensity curve of each kidney produced. Drainage was diagnosed by a clearly declining time‐intensity curve and direct visualization of contrast medium within the ureter in several frames. High‐grade or complete obstruction was diagnosed when drainage of contrast medium could not be detected. Gd‐MRU results were compared with diuresis radionuclide (mercapto‐acetyltriglycine, MAG3) renography within the same week. Unobstructive units detected by Gd‐MRU were treated conservatively with a close follow‐up by ultrasonography and radionuclide studies.RESULTSDiuresis MAG3 renography showed drainage in three dilated units and poor washout in five; in contrast, Gd‐MRU showed drainage in seven dilated systems (three showed poor washout by MAG3), and obstruction in the remaining case. The unobstructed units detected by MRU under conservative treatment thus showed no further deterioration of renal function or progressive hydronephrosis in the subsequent follow‐up (mean 18 months, range 15–23).CONCLUSIONThese preliminary results suggest that dynamic Gd‐MRU is a useful noninvasive imaging method in distinguishing obstructive from unobstructive dilated systems, particularly in patients with hydronephrosis and reduced renal function.
Relaxation effects of adrenomedullin in isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle
Authors: Gokce G. , Bagcivan I. , Kilicarslan H. , Yildirim S. , Gultekin Y.E. , Sarioglu Y. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVESTo clarify the pharmacological effects of adrenomedullin, a potent vasodilator and hypotensive peptide isolated from human phaeochromocytoma cells, on corpus cavernosal smooth muscle in vitro, as the intracavernosal injection of adrenomedullin induces penile erection in the anaesthetized cat.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe effects of adrenomedullin were investigated in isolated muscle strips from New Zealand rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle pre‐contracted with phenylephrine alone, in the presence of indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor), Nω‐nitro l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), and K+‐channel blockers.RESULTSAdrenomedullin caused relaxation of isolated pre‐contracted rabbit corpus cavernosum strips in a concentration‐dependent manner. The response of corpus cavernosum was unaffected L‐NAME, indomethacin and K+‐channel blockersCONCLUSIONThe relaxation exerted by adrenomedullin in rabbit corporal tissue may arise from the effect of the drug on its specific receptors and/or calcitonin gene‐related peptide‐1 receptors. The relaxant effect of adrenomedullin might lead to novel clinical applications for erectile dysfunction.
The levels of glutathione peroxidase, vitamin A, E, C and lipid peroxidation in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Yalçin O. , Karataş F. , Erulaş F.A. , Özdemir E. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the levels of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and the serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (A, E and C), selenium and malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSThe study comprised 91 people (23 healthy controls and 68 patients with TCC). Erythrocyte GSH‐Px activity was measured by spectrophotometry, high‐performance liquid chromatography to detect serum levels of vitamins and MDA, and fluorometry to detect serum levels of selenium.RESULTSThe serum levels of vitamin A, E and C, and selenium were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients with TCC than in controls. However, erythrocyte GSH‐Px activities (P < 0.05) and serum MDA levels (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with TCC than in the controls.CONCLUSIONSLevels of free oxygen species were higher, and antioxidant vitamin and selenium levels lower, in patients with bladder TCC than in controls. These findings, with the results of previous animal studies, suggest that giving vitamin A, C, E and selenium may be beneficial in preventing and treating human bladder cancer.
Severe perineal pain after enterocystoplasty in bladder exstrophy
Authors: Phelps S.R. , Malone P.S.J. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo describe a previously unreported complication (severe perineal pain) after bladder reconstruction and enterocystoplasty in patients with bladder exstrophy.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe notes were reviewed retrospectively for four patients (two boys and two girls) with classical bladder exstrophy who had severe penile or perineal pain after bladder reconstruction. They were all continent and using intermittent catheterization. A range of conservative management failed and all patients subsequently required excision of their native bladders between 1997 and 2000.RESULTSAll four patients had perineal or penile pain which began 4 months to 8 years after bladder augmentation. Investigations included plain abdominal X‐ray, renal and bladder ultrasonography, computerized tomography of the pelvis, video‐urodynamics and cysto‐urethroscopy. When therapeutic interventions such as more frequent bladder washouts, analgesic and anticholinergic drugs, and cystolithotomy (two patients) were unsuccessful in alleviating the symptoms, all had their native bladder excised. Histological examination of the excised tissue showed neither normal urothelium nor enteric mucosa at the margins of the excision; two patients already had squamous metaplasia within what represented the bladder, and in the others squamous epithelium was present amongst the enteric mucosa. All four children were pain‐free with a follow‐up of 2–6 years.CONCLUSIONAll four patients developed severe referred bladder pain that was probably secondary to the abnormal retained bladder remnants. Cystectomy cured the pain and may also have removed a potential site of future malignant tumour.
A multi‐institutional studyof orthotopic neobladders: functional results in men and women
Authors: Carrion R. , Arap S. , Corcione G. , Ferreyra U. , Neyraargote G. , Cantor A. , Seigne J. , Lockhart J. 
Published: March 2004

Multi‐institutional studies are extremely valuable whena new surgical technique is being introduced. The Confederationof American Urology conducted such a study into the functional results inmales and females of the orthotopic bladder. In a series of 138patients they found many interesting outcomes, which they presenthere.Authors from Sheffield describe their experience in developing tissue‐engineeredbuccal mucosa for use in urethral reconstruction. They describetheir technique and report the successful culture of full‐thicknessbuccal mucosa, which they found to be robust and safe for clinicaluse.OBJECTIVESTo analyse the incidence of diurnal incontinence (DI) and nocturnalincontinence (NI), the need for intermittent catheterization (IC),and the rate of ureteric obstruction (UO) among a group of men andwomen with ileal and colonic orthotopic neobladders in four countries.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 138 patients (113 men and 25 women) had an orthotopicneobladder constructed after radical cystectomy for carcinoma. The mean(range) age was 61.3 (28–76) years and thefollow‐up 41 (6–144) months. All patients underwentsurgery by experienced surgeons associated with the Confederationof American Urology. A retrospective evaluation was designed toreview the functional results and the incidence of UO. The techniqueof orthotopic neobladder construction was at each surgeon's discretion. Various detubularized bowelsegments were used, including ileum, colon or sigmoid. Patients werefollowed by chart reviews and personal interviews at 1, 3 and 6 monthsafter surgery and then every 6 months, and were evaluated bya physical examination, urine analysis, cytology and renal ultrasonography.RESULTSAn ileal or colonic neobladder was constructed in 74 and 64 patients, respectively.Five (7%), 23 (31%), 10 (14%) and 14(9.6%) with an ileal neobladder developed DI, NI, IC andUO, respectively; the respective values for patients with a colonicneobladder were eight (12%), 19 (30%), seven (11%)and 15 (12%). Statistical analysis by Fisher’sexact test showed no significant differences between the ileal andcolonic neobladder groups or with gender.CONCLUSIONSUsing this specific protocol for evaluating many men and womenwith ileal and colonic orthotopic neobladders showed no significant differencesin the incidence of DI, NI, IC or UO. Neobladders constructed fromdetubularized bowel, irrespective of bowel segment(s) used, canprovide satisfactory diurnal results. A moderate incidence of NIand UO continue to be a problem.
Experience with a bone anchor sling for treating female stress urinary incontinence: outcome at 30 months
Authors: Carbone A. , Palleschi G. , Ciavarella S. , Morello P. , Tomiselli G. , Parascani R. , Tubaro A. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the clinical and video‐urodynamic outcome in women with by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treated with a bone‐anchored pubovaginal sling.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 70 women with SUI (as evaluated by a clinical examination, a voiding questionnaire, a short pad‐test and video‐urodynamics) who had a bone‐anchor sling procedure, with or without cystocele repair, from January 1999 to December 2001; they were re‐evaluated after a long‐term follow‐up (mean 30 months).RESULTSThe long‐term outcome showed a success rate of > 95%; the clinical and video‐urodynamic findings showed good functional and anatomical results, and an improvement in voiding performance in most patients. There was a low incidence of complications during and after surgery (2.8%).CONCLUSIONSThis approach gives, in highly selected patients, a high success rate and low incidence of complications. The technique is easy to learn and the costs to the financing bodies and public healthcare are low, making it a candidate for an alternative procedure to the standard techniques for SUI.
Psychological impact of childhood islet autoantibody testing in families participating in the BABYDIAB study
Authors: Hummel M. , Ziegler A. G. , Roth R. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAim To determine anxiety in parents of children undergoing testing for islet autoantibodies.Subjects and methods Children of parents with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) were tested at birth, age 9 months, 2 years and 5 years for islet autoantibodies. Families were informed about islet autoantibody status in the child after each visit. The psychological impact of islet autoantibody testing was assessed in parents before and after the 5 years visit. Anxiety was measured using a subscale of the State‐Trait‐Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and structured single‐item questions. Four hundred and sixty‐three parents were evaluated before blood drawing and 317 parents at notification of islet autoantibody status.Results Before blood withdrawal, anxiety was increased in mothers and in particular in mothers of islet autoantibody‐positive offspring compared with a normative control group. At notification of islet antibody status, anxiety significantly decreased in parents of islet autoantibody‐negative offspring, and increased in parents of islet autoantibody‐positive offspring. Blood withdrawal was considered a burden for parents and offspring (15% and 48%, respectively). Most parents from islet autoantibody‐negative and ‐positive offspring wished to know the diabetes risk of their child (95% and 100%, respectively) and were glad to be informed about their child's islet antibody status (97% and 87%).Conclusions Overall, islet autoantibody testing in early childhood reduces anxiety in T1DM families. The increased anxiety associated with islet autoantibody‐positive status suggests, however, that testing should be performed in centres which can provide accurate risk information and counselling if required.
A novel per‐oral insulin formulation: proof of concept study in non‐diabetic subjects
Authors: Kidron M. , Dinh S. , Menachem Y. , Abbas R. , Variano B. , Goldberg M. , Arbit E. , Bar‐On H. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAims  The aim of our study was to examine the absorption of insulin from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, using a novel oral formulation—adding a delivery agent SNAC (sodium N‐[8‐(2‐hydroxybenzoyl)amino] caprylate) in combination with insulin.Methods  Capsules containing insulin and SNAC, in various combinations, were administered orally, as a single dose, to 12 non‐diabetic subjects and four control subjects (receiving SNAC or insulin only) in order to assess its biological effect and safety. Plasma glucose levels, insulin and C‐peptide concentrations, as well as SNAC levels, were determined, at timed intervals up to 4 h.Results  In all cases, a glucose‐lowering effect was demonstrated, preceded by an increase in plasma insulin levels. The nadir of plasma glucose levels appeared after 30–50 min, following the ingestion of the mixture. The plasma insulin levels were found to parallel the blood SNAC levels. Plasma C‐peptide levels were suppressed by the lowered glucose levels achieved concurrent with the increasing amount of exogenous insulin absorbed, indicating that the secretion of endogenous hormone was partially abolished. There were no biological effects regarding blood glucose levels upon administration of SNAC or insulin when given alone. No adverse effects were detected during the trial or several weeks after the trial.Conclusions  Insulin in combination with a novel delivery agent, SNAC, given orally, is absorbed through the GI tract in a biologically active form. This was demonstrated by a glucose lowering effect of the mixture as well as a suppression of an endogenous insulin secretion.
Telomerase and cell senescence: modulation by telomerase of cellular responses to damage in normal human primary skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts
Authors: Botchkina I. , Xu L. , Blackburn E. H. 
Published: March 2004

Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes, which contain the DNA that comprises the genetic information. Without telomeres and their special way of replicating, chromosome ends dwindle away and also are easily damaged. Loss of telomere function promotes cancer and may occur in human aging. Most enzymes – the catalysts that carry out life's chemical reactions – are made of protein. In contrast, the enzyme telomerase, which replenishes the DNA at telomeres and protects them, is a ribonucleoprotein complex consisting of core components – a protein reverse transcriptase and the telomerase RNA moiety – as well as additional protein factors that regulate the action of telomerase on telomeres.A major known function of telomerase is to elongate telomeric DNA. This function is achieved by the enzyme copying a short template sequence within the inbuilt telomerase RNA, into telomeric DNA repeat sequences. The mechanism of telomerase has been analyzed and telomerase has been shown to be a dimeric enzyme. Functional dimerization of human telomerase requires a novel RNA–RNA interaction between two telomerase RNA molecules in the same enzyme complex. Telomeric repeats are added to the end of the chromosomal DNA by telomerase, elongating the chromosome and thus compensating for losses of terminal DNA that occur upon nuclease action and incomplete DNA replication of the ends of the chromosomal DNA.However, telomerase is largely repressed in proliferating cultured human fibroblasts or after a few passages of culturing of primary human keratinocytes. The normal senescence of such fibroblasts and other human cell types in culture can be overcome by forced expression of telomerase in these cells. The lifespan of the cells is extended and they grow healthily, generally without evidence of impairment to DNA checkpoint pathways.We analyzed the effects of forced expression of telomerase on the growth characteristics and sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of primary human cells in culture. Normal primary human foreskin epithelial keratinocytes and fibroblasts were stably infected with retroviral vector expressing various versions of hTERT (the reverse transcriptase protein component of telomerase), or the control empty retroviral vector pBABEpuro. Cells selected for the puromycin drug resistance marker were continuously passaged in puromycin‐containing media, and their telomeres, cell growth and cell viability analyzed. The responses of such cells expressing telomerase to different challenges, including UV exposure were analyzed and found to differ from those of control cells.
Towards ecosystem‐based fisheries management
Authors: Hall Stephen J , Mainprize B 
Published: March 2004

AbstractPerformance measures and reference points for the management of target species are now widely used in the fisheries of the developed world. To move us closer to an ecosystem‐based fisheries management framework, we look at the prospects for expanding current single‐species approaches for target species, by considering nontarget species. We also examine the development of performance measures and reference points for emergent ecosystem‐level properties. We conclude that the expansion of single‐species reference points to take account of the nontarget species of a fishery is tractable and desirable. In contrast, the use of performance measures for a single or a small selection of ecosystem metrics is not possible at present, owing to the absence of a clear understanding of their dynamics and a lack of underlying theory to explain their behaviour. However, recent methods that aggregate a wide range of metrics to provide an overall picture of the ecosystem status show promise and have a particular attraction because they have the potential to provide a framework for establishing a dialogue on management issues between all interested parties.
Keep it simple: three indicators to deal with overfishing
Authors: Froese Rainer 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThree simple fisheries indicators are presented: (i) percentage of mature fish in catch, with 100% as target; (ii) percent of specimens with optimum length in catch, with 100% as target; and (iii) percentage of ‘mega‐spawners‘ in catch, with 0% as target, and 30–40% as representative of reasonable stock structure if no upper size limit exists. Application of these indicators to stocks of Gadus morhua, Sardinella aurita and Epinephelus aeneus demonstrate their usefulness. It is argued that such simple indicators have the potential to allow more stakeholders such as fishers, fish dealers, supermarket managers, consumers and politicians to participate in fisheries management and eventually hold and reverse the global pattern of convenience overfishing, which is defined here as deliberate overfishing sanctioned by official bodies who find it more convenient to risk eventual collapse of fish stocks than to risk social and political conflicts.
From skin microrelief to wrinkles. An area ripe for investigation
Authors: Piérard Gérald E , Uhoda Isabelle , Piérard‐Franchimont Claudine 
Published: March 2004

SummarySkin microrelief alters progressively with age. Wrinkles do not result from these changes but are superimposed upon them. Wrinkles result from structural changes in the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Four types of wrinkles can be recognized.Type 1 wrinkles are atrophic.Type 2 wrinkles are elastotic.Type 3 wrinkles are expressional.Type 4 wrinkles are gravitational.Each type of wrinkle is characterized by distinct microanatomical changes and each type of wrinkle develops in specific skin regions. Each is likely to respond differently to treatment. Skin microrelief and skin folds can be identified on histological examination. By contrast, only minimal dermal changes are found beneath permanent or reducible wrinkles compared with immediately adjacent skin. A series of objective and non‐invasive methods is available to quantify the severity of wrinkling.