bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An in vitro comparison of urease‐induced encrustation of JJ stents in human urine
Authors: Desgrandchamps F. , Moulinier F. , Daudon M. , Teillac P. , Le Duc A. 
Published: November 2003

Objective
To report the results of a comparative study of in vitro encrustation of five different types of JJ stents in human urine. Materials and methods  Samples of five JJ stents (polyurethane, silicone, Percuflex, C‐Flex and hydrogel‐coated C‐Flex) were immersed for 24 h at 37°C in fresh human urine supplemented with urease, and the surface photographed and dried. The crystals formed on the stents were dissolved in hydrochloric acid and the calcium and magnesium concentrations determined. Results  Large crystals were deposited on the surface of the hydrogel‐coated C‐Flex stent and significantly higher levels of calcium and magnesium salts were obtained after acidic dissolution. There were no differences in crystal deposition among the remaining stents. Conclusion
Hydrogel‐coated stents have an higher risk of becoming encrusted in vitro than do uncoated stents made of the same substrate polymer or made of different materials. These results emphasize the need for the regular follow‐up of patients with hydrophilic stents in place.
Intralesional interferon in the treatment of Peyronie's disease: a pilot study
Authors: Judge J.S. , Wisniewski Z.S. 
Published: November 2003

Objective  To investigate the effect of intralesional interferon on patients with severe Peyronie's disease. Patients and methods  Thirteen patients with Peyronie's disease and associated penile deformity of greater than 12 months' duration were selected. Characteristics of the plaque and the degree of deformity were measured objectively. Ten patients received 1.5 MU of α2B‐interferon intralesionally three times a week for 3 weeks. Three patients received similar volumes of intralesional saline. Results  Six of the 10 patients who received interferon reported the complete disappearance of pain on erection and an improvement in the penile deformity. Although the objective improvement in deformity was relatively small, with a mean improvement of 20°, patients with a small plaque (<4 cm) had a better response. All those receiving inferferon had predictable but brief side‐effects similar to the symptoms of influenza. Conclusion  Intralesional interferon is safe and well tolerated and results in symptomatic and some objective improvement, especially in patients with smaller Peyronie's plaques.
Elective conservative surgery for renal carcinoma versus radical nephrectomy: a prospective study
Authors: D'Armiento M. , Damiano R. , Feleppa B. , Perdonà S. , Oriani G. , De Sio M. 
Published: November 2003

Objective  To identify criteria with which to select candidates for conservative nephrectomy, and to compare the results of radical and conservative nephrectomy in two homogeneous groups of patients with renal carcinoma, in a prospective study. Patients and methods  Forty patients (27 men and 13 women, mean age 49.9 years, range 23–76) with renal carcinoma (T1‐T2 N0M0,<4 cm in diameter) were enrolled in the study between 1988 and 1993 and followed for a maximum of 98 months (mean 70.1). The patients were divided into two groups: Group A comprised 19 patients (mean age 51.4, sd 13.7 years, mean tumour size 3.34, sd 0.64 cm) who underwent partial nephrectomy; Group B comprised 21 patients (mean age 48.7, sd 14.7 years, mean tumour size 3.21, sd 0.56 cm) who were selected for radical nephrectomy. The survival and progression of disease were assessed. Results  Survival did not differ between the groups; one patient from each group died from distant metastases. There were no cases of local recurrence and multifocal neoplastic lesions were found in one patient during surgery. Conclusion  This prospective study confirms the results of retrospective studies that conservative surgery is as effective as radical surgery for renal carcinoma; however, its clinical application is limited by the risk that the renal carcinoma is multifocal.
Out‐patient surgery for the correction of penile curvature
Authors: Hsu G‐L. , Chen S‐H. , Weng S‐S. 
Published: November 2003

Objective  To evaluate an outpatient anaesthetic and surgical procedure for the correction of curvature of the penis. Patients and methods  From February 1993 to December 1995, 128 patients (mean age 31 years, range 14–67) with penile curvature (120 with congenital curvature and eight with penile deformity from Peyronie's disease) were treated as out‐patients at our institution using a proximal dorsal nerve block and ventral infiltration of the penis as the method of anaesthesia. The degree of deformity, pain and sexual activity were assessed before and after surgery and all patients were followed post‐operatively using a questionnaire to determine the outcome and their satisfaction. Results  All the patients were able to leave the hospital shortly after surgery. The follow‐up period ranged from 4 to 35 months (mean 17.3); 112 patients (87.5%) reported a satisfactory cosmetic and functional result, while the other 16 patients reported an improvement but had inadequate correction. There were no significant short‐ or long‐term complications; three patients with diabetes developed a hard lump over the operated tunica. Conclusions  This unique operative method provided excellent correction of the deformities, was safe, cost‐efficient and durable and could be performed as an out‐patient procedure.
Transurethral vaporization of the prostate: a promising new technique
Authors: Thomas K.J. , Cornaby A.J. , Hammadeh M. , Philp T. , Matthews P.N. 
Published: November 2003

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TUVP), using a grooved roller electrode, for the surgical treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).Patients and methods TUVP was carried out using a grooved roller electrode, pure‐cutting diathermy and a standard irrigating resectoscope to rapidly heat prostatic tissue to >100°C, resulting in vaporization and cavitation of the prostatic adenoma. Over a 10 month period, 116 patients (mean age 69.8 years, range 51–93) with symptomatic BPH (confirmed by a symptom score, urinary flow rate and an ultrasonographic estimate of residual volume) were treated by TUVP. Patients with carcinoma of the prostate, an elevated level of prostate‐specific antigen or those in chronic urinary retention were excluded from the study. Each patient was followed up every 4 months during the first post‐operative year, assessing their flow rate, residual volume and symptom score.Results Symptom scores improved by 67% and residual volumes by 72%; the mean maximal flow rate increased from 8.5 mL/s (range 3.5–14) before treatment to 20.5 mL/s (range 4.5–39.0) at the same 4 month review. The procedure was simple and safe, with a mean operative duration of 35 min (range 20–65), and no patients required a blood transfusion. Most patients had their catheters removed within 24 h and were discharged on the second day after treatment.Conclusion The effectiveness of TUVP in improving symptoms and flow rates in patients with BPH was established. With minimal capital expenditure and a reduced in‐patient stay, TUVP appears to have several advantages over other surgical treatments for BPH, although continued follow‐up is needed to establish the long‐term results.
A new approach using tissue alkaline phosphatase activity to identify early testicular cancer
Authors: Dabare A.A.N.P.M. , Nouri A.M.E. , Reynard J.M. , Killala S. , Oliver R.T.D. 
Published: November 2003

Objective To establish the specificity and sensitivity of alkaline phosphatase activity in testicular tumours for the early detection of testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs). Materials and methods Samples from patients with GCTs of the testis were sectioned and stained using the nitroblue tetrazolium salt (NBT)/5 bromo‐4‐chloro‐3‐indolylphosphate (BCIP) Sigma Fast substrate technique (referred to as MEDC) and peroxidase anti‐peroxidase (PAP) assay. Additionally, several cell lines from GCTs and other tumours were cultured using standard techniques and stained using both methods, and lysates from all samples were stained after gel electrophoresis. Results MEDC showed strong and specific staining of testicular tumours only. The activity on gel electrophoresis appeared as two bands, one at 75 and one at 95 kDa, which was a unique combination for testicular tumours and testis cell lines. Conclusion The MEDC method has extreme sensitivity and intensityfor testicular tumour tissue and has potential use as a powerful tool for the early detection of testicular GCTs by analysing semen samples, particularly in patients with equivocal findings on testicular ultrasonography.
Determination of testicular function after torsion by DNA flow cytometry of serial fine‐needle aspirates
Authors: Carroll T.A. , Regan M.C. , Alyusuf R. , Greene D. , Curran B. , Kay E. , Leader M. , Fitzpatrick J.M. 
Published: November 2003

Objective To determine the efficacy of DNA flow cytometric analysis of testicular percutaneous fine‐needle aspirates in the assessment and follow‐up of testicular function after torsion, and to determine the relationship between the duration of torsion and testicular injury. Materials and methods Three groups of 15 adult rats underwent a 720° torsion, with fixation of the mesorchial ligament, for 1, 3 or 5 h. Bilateral aspirations, performed 7, 21 and 35 days after torsion were examined by flow cytometry. Testes were harvested and evaluated histologically using Johnsen's scoring. Results Irreversible testicular injury occurred in all three groups of rats, with loss of function after 1 h and loss of viability after 3 and 5 h. The results from flow cytometry suggested significant contralateral testicular injury (P<0.025) but this was not supported by the histological evaluation. There was a strong correlation between the testicular function assessed by flow cytometry and by Johnsen's scoring of histological specimens (r2=0.95). Conclusion The assessment of testicular aspirates by flow cytometry allows testicular function to be followed after torsion in rats, and potentially in humans. Using DNA flow cytometry, the temporal course of the twisted testis in the adult rat was determined; contralateral testicular injury following the reversal of torsion could not be excluded.
A randomized controlled trial of transurethral microwave thermotherapy
Authors: Nawrocki J.D. , Bell T.J. , Lawrence W.T. , Ward J.P. 
Published: November 2003

Objective To establish the short term clinical and urodynamic effect of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) in men with symptomatic uncomplicated benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using a randomized controlled trial comparing the treatment with both ‘placebo‐like’ and untreated control groups. Patients and methods The study comprised 120 symptomatic patients with BPH who were candidates for transurethral resection and TUMT. They were randomized to one of three groups: group 1 underwent a standard TUMT, group 2 underwent a simulated treatment identical to group 1 but with no emission of microwaves and group 3 received no treatment. The treatment of the first two groups was ‘double‐blind’ and the heat experienced by the patients during treatment was simulated in both. Patients were assessed on entry to the study and 6 months after treatment using an identical protocol to measure the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax ), post‐void residual urine volume (PVR), minimum urethral opening pressure ( pmuo ) and maximum detrusor pressure ( pdet max ). Results In the untreated group there were no clinically or statistically significant changes in the median AUA symptom score, Qmax , PVR, pmuo and pdet max . In group 1 the AUA score changed significantly, from 19 to 9.5, but the Qmax , PVR, pmuo and pdet max did not. In group 2, the AUA score also changed significantly, from 17.5 to 9.5, but Qmax , PVR, pmuo and pdet max did not. Conclusion The untreated control group showed no clinically relevant deterioration or improvement. The standard and simulated TUMT groups showed little clinically relevant improvement in ‘objective’ variables, while the clinically significant symptom improvement was of a similar magnitude in both groups.
Evaluation of primary standard cisplatin‐based chemotherapy for clinical stage II non‐seminomatous germ cell tumours of the testis
Authors: Culine S. , Théodore C. , Court B.H. , Perrin J.‐L. , Droz J.‐P. 
Published: November 2003

Objective To evaluate the use of primary cisplatin‐based chemotherapy before retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in patients with clinical stage II non‐seminomatous germ cell tumours of the testis.Patients and methods Between 1984 and 1992, 55 patients with clinical stage II testicular cancer (12 with stage IIA, 33 stage IIB and 10 stage IIC disease) were treated at Institut Gustave Roussy with primary chemotherapy using three conventional regimens including cisplatin. Patients were assessed 4 weeks after the end of chemotherapy and, depending on the response, underwent RPLND; the overall survival and disease progression were monitored.Results Sixteen (29%) patients achieved a sustained complete remission after chemotherapy only, while 30 (55%) patients required subsequent RPLND for persistent residual tumour masses; nine other patients obtained a clinical partial remission. Six patients who initially had achieved either a clinical complete response (three) or a surgical complete response (one) or a clinical partial response (two) subsequently relapsed. Overall, 52 of 55 (95%) patients remained free of disease 33 to 111 months after the end of treatment.Conclusion These results show that primary cisplatin‐based chemotherapy can effect a cure of the tumour in all subgroups of patients with stage II disease.
Natural erection induced by prostaglandin‐E1 in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital penile anomalies
Authors: Perovic S. , Djordjevic M. , Djakovic N. 
Published: November 2003

Objective  To report the use of a natural erection induced by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in the diagnosis and therapy of congenital penile anomalies as an alternative to artificial erection. Patients and methods  From February 1991 to December 1995 a natural erection was induced in 672 patients (mean age 5.7 years, range 12 months–47 years) to diagnose and treat congenital anomalies, e.g. simple penile curvature, chordee with and without hypospadias, epispadias, micropenis, cripple penis, etc. The dose injected intracavernosally was dependent on the patient's age, penile size and response, and ranged from 0.5 to 15 μg. Results  A natural dilatation of erectile tissue was achieved in all forms of penile anomalies except in seven patients who did not respond. The mean duration of erection was 80 min, but a prolonged erection, for up to 6 h, occurred in two patients. Conclusion  The natural erection achieved by injecting PGE1 into the corpora cavernosa is a useful alternative to artificial erection in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital penile anomalies.
A potential autocrine loop between heregulin‐alpha and erbB‐3 receptor in human prostatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Leung H.Y. , Weston J. , Gullick W.J. , Williams G. 
Published: November 2003

Objective To examine the expression of heregulin‐alpha (a new member of the epidermal growth factor family) and its receptor erbB‐3 in human prostate cancer by immunohistochemistry, and to analyse their implication for clinical outcome.Patients and method Using specific anti‐peptide antibodies, tumour samples from 50 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (18 well, 15 moderately and 17 poorly differentiated) and four patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were immunostained for heregulin‐alpha (an isoform of heregulin) and erbB‐3 proteins. Representative areas from each case were used to assess immunoreactivity.Results Heregulin‐alpha was expressed (i.e. ≥10% of tumour cells positive) in 36 (72%) and erbB‐3 in 27 (54%) of the 50 cases. High levels of expression of heregulin‐alpha (>90% of tumour cells stained) appeared to be related to high‐grade tumours, but the association did not reach statistical significance. There was no correlation between the levels of expression of erbB‐3 and tumour grade. All four samples from BPH stained negatively for heregulin‐alpha and erbB‐3. Fourteen patients had bony metastases identified by bone scintigraphy and all received androgen ablation after undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate. Immunoreactivity for heregulin‐alpha and erbB‐3 were absent in five cases, all of whom responded to hormone manipulation and remained symptom‐free at the time of review (mean follow up 3 years, range 2–4). Despite hormone manipulation, the nine patients overexpressing heregulin‐alpha and/or erbB‐3 died during a mean follow up of 2.5 years (range 0.5–4).Conclusion The overexpression of heregulin‐alpha and erbB‐3 in prostate cancer is detectable by immunostaining. Activation of the type 1 growth‐factor receptor system by heregulin‐alpha and/or the erbB‐3 receptor appears to be associated with a less favourable prognosis in advanced disease.
The infusion trial of micturition
Authors: Lyth D.R. , Braslis K. , Iacovou J.W. 
Published: November 2003

Objective  To compare three methods for a trial of micturition (TOM) (the midnight removal of the catheter, dawn removal, and a new infusion method) in a randomized prospective study. Patients and methods  A total of 118 consecutive patients who had undergone transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or bladder neck incision (BNI) underwent TOM by one of the three methods. In the infusion method, the bladder was filled at a fast‐drip rate via the catheter from a bag of normal saline connected by an intravenous supply set. The catheter was then removed, the patient voided and the volume was measured. From the volume of saline remaining, it was possible to calculate the residual volume in the patient. Results  The infusion TOM took a mean 13 h less than the other two methods, which were statistically indistinguishable. Conclusion  The infusion TOM is safe and simple, is quick to carry out and can be performed at any time. It establishes the completeness of bladder emptying, which helps in the assessment of voiding.
Morphological changes in the basement membrane during progression from non‐invasive to invasive rat bladder cancer induced by N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydoxybutyl) nitrosamine
Authors: Zhang X.H. , Takenaka I. 
Published: November 2003

Objective To investigate the ultrastructural changes in the basement membrane (BM) in the rat model of bladder cancer when progressing from non‐invasive to invasive disease. Materials and methods
N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydoxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN) was administered to 50 rats (7 weeks old) in their drinking water (0.05% BBN) for 28 weeks. At between 20 and 28 weeks, 10 rats were killed every 2 weeks and morphological changes of the BM were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and histological changes by light microscopy. Results At between 20 and 28 weeks, the transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the rat bladder induced by BBN progressed from non‐invasive (stage Ta) to invasive (stage T1–2) disease. Focal thinning and discontinuity of the BM occurred in five of 26 rats with non‐invasive TCC and in all 24 rats with invasive TCC. Conclusions Stage Ta bladder cancer in the rat model may be associated with degradative changes in the BM and can be divided into two types, Ta1 where there is no degradation of the BM and Ta2, where the BM is degraded.
Testis‐preserving surgery in bilateral testicular germ cell tumours
Authors: Heidenreich A. , Höltl W. , Albrecht W. , Pont J. , Engelmann U.H. 
Published: November 2003

Objective To evaluate the indications, techniques and outcome of organ‐preserving tumour enucleation in patients with bilateral testicular germ cell tumours (BTGCT) rather than standard bilateral radical orchidectomy which results in loss of fertility and a lifelong requirement for androgen replacement.Patients and methods In 13 patients with BTGCT of 6–30 mm in diameter, the tumours were enucleated under cold ischaemia after inguinal testicular exploration, and biopsies of the tumour bed and the peripheral parenchyma were taken. Histology of the orchidectomy specimen revealed a seminoma in four cases, an embryonal carcinoma in three, a teratocarcinoma and a mixed‐germ cell tumour in two each, and a mature teratoma in one. Histology of the enucleated tumours showed a seminoma in seven cases, an embryonal carcinoma in five and a mature teratoma in one. Six of the 13 patients underwent testicular radiation (20 Gy) for carcinoma in situ (CIS) and five patients had adjuvant local therapy. Six months post‐operatively, a testicular biopsy was taken to determine the success of therapy.Results The median follow‐up was 62 months (range 14–163) and the 13 patients are currently free of disease; one patient had local recurrence 9 months after tumour enucleation but after orchidectomy the patient is free of disease after a follow‐up of 156 months. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone and testosterone were within the normal range in all patients and no androgen substitution was necessary. A testicular biopsy taken 6 months post‐operatively revealed Sertoli cells only in all patients who had received radiation therapy.Conclusions These results suggest that organ‐sparing surgery in patients with BTGCT represents a new therapeutic approach with endocrinological and psychological advantages. In our experience, enucleation resection of testicular tumours is possible with certain prerequisites, i.e. the tumour is organ‐confined with no infiltration of the rete testis, multiple biopsies of the tumour bed and peripheral parenchyma should be taken, any associated CIS treated by radiation therapy, and patients must be followed closely.
Impact of early orchidopexy on testicular growth
Authors: NAGAR H. , HADDAD R. 
Published: November 2003

Objective To assess the impact of early orchidopexy on post‐operative testicular growth.Patients and methods One‐hundred and ninety boys (age range 1 week to 15 years at the time of initial diagnosis) underwent surgery for the repair of unilateral cryptorchidism, and the relative testicular size was assessed before and after operation.Results When compared with the size of the uninvolved testis, testicular size increased after surgery in 11.6% of cases and decreased in 2.6%. Testicular growth was more common among children operated when younger than 18 months (P=0.016) than when older.Conclusion The testicle may grow when orchidopexy is performed in children younger than 18 months.