bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of home biofeedback training on stress incontinence
Authors: Aukee Pauliina , Immonen Paula , Laaksonen David E. , Laippala Pekka , Penttinen Jorma , Airaksinen Olavi 
Published: September 2004

Background.  To compare the effectiveness of pelvic floor training (PFT) with the aid of a home biofeedback device to PFT alone for urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women after a 1‐year follow‐up.Methods.  A randomized study comparing two conservative interventions was conducted in an outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Thirty‐five consecutive women were randomized to either the PFT with home biofeedback group or the PFT alone group. The intensive training period lasted 12 weeks. After 1 year, 33 women could be evaluated according to the protocol. At the 1‐year visit pelvic floor muscle activity was measured and the need for surgical intervention was evaluated. Logistic multivariate analysis was used to predict response to the PFT.Results.  In the home biofeedback training group 11/16 (68.8%) avoided surgery vs. 10/19 (52.6%) in the PFT alone group. The difference was not statistically significant. In the nonoperated home biofeedback group the increase in pelvic floor muscle activity (p = 0.005 in supine, p = 0.005 in standing) and the decrease in leakage index (p = 0.05) was significant after 12 weeks and pelvic floor activity remained constant. By contrast, in the nonoperated PFT group the increase in pelvic floor muscle activity after 12 weeks predicted a good result for conservative treatment.Conclusions.  This randomized controlled trial suggests that the home biofeedback method in PFT has a good success rate of 68.8%. The change achieved in leakage index after 12 weeks of training predicted an effective outcome for conservative treatment.
Genetic and environmental influences on urinary incontinence: a Danish population‐based twin study of middle‐aged and elderly women
Authors: Rohr Gitte , Kragstrup Jakob , Gaist David , Christensen Kaare 
Published: September 2004

Background.  Familial clustering has been reported for urinary incontinence (stress and urge), but different etiologies for the two types of incontinence have been suggested.Objective.  The aim of this study was to estimate the relative influence of genetic and environmental factors on stress, urge, and mixed incontinence among elderly and middle‐aged women.Methods.  This is a population‐based classical twin study of 1168 female twin pairs [548 monozygotic (MZ) and 620 dizygotic (DZ)] from a middle‐aged (46–68 years) and an old (70–94 years) cohort identified in the Danish Twin Registry. Urinary incontinence was assessed with the help of two validated questions identifying stress and urge incontinence in interviews.Results.   For urge incontinence, the tetrachoric correlation was significantly higher for MZ twins, compared to that for DZ twin pairs in both middle‐aged [0.51 (95% CI: 0.26–0.71) versus −0.22 (95% CI: −0.59–0.18)] and elderly [0.50 (95% CI: 0.27–0.68) versus 0.28 (95% CI: 0.02–0.42)], indicating genetic effects. The heritability of urge incontinence was 42% (95% CI: 16–63%) among middle‐aged women and 49% (95% CI: 29–65%) among the elderly. Moreover, mixed incontinence had a substantial genetic component. The role of genetic factors was less clear in stress incontinence.Conclusions.  Genetic factors play a substantial role in the development of urge and mixed incontinence, whereas the role of genetic factors in stress incontinence is less prominent.
First case of post‐conception Verteporfin exposure: pregnancy and neonatal outcome
Authors: De Santis Marco , Carducci Brigida , De Santis Lidia , Lucchese Angela , Straface Gianluca 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To assess pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in a woman accidentally exposed to Verteporfin photodynamic therapy in the third week of pregnancy.Methods:  Post‐conception counselling and prospective follow‐up by telephone interview at Telefono Rosso (Teratology Information Service) were carried out. The baby was examined at birth and at 26 months.Results:  The outcome of the pregnancy was normal and a healthy female child with a normal birthweight was born. The baby's follow‐up was normal at 26 months.Conclusions:  This is the first reported case of a childbearing woman being accidentally exposed to Verteporfin during pregnancy. No fetal or neonatal adverse effects were documented.
Optical coherence tomography in a case of Bietti's crystalline dystrophy
Authors: Meyer Carsten H. , Rodrigues Eduardo B. , Mennel Stefan , Schmidt Jörg C. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To demonstrate the cross‐sectional morphology in crystalline retinopathy.Methods:  A 24‐year‐old woman with Bietti's crystalline dystrophy (BCD) and bilaterally decreased vision and nyctalopia was examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT).Results:  Fundus examination demonstrated numerous reflective, yellow‐white crystalline deposits scattered throughout the posterior pole and midperipheral retina. Optical coherence tomography disclosed an abnormally level of high reflectivity in red to orange colours throughout the entire neuroretina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid. The RPE–choriocapillaris complex was thickened and hyper‐reflective, corresponding with dense crystalline deposits.Conclusion:  The observed uncommon hyper‐reflectivity in BCD relates to the deposition of numerous infiltrates. In vivo investigations by OCT confirmed histological studies that a crystalline retinopathy corresponds with numerous infiltrates in the retina, RPE and choroid. The RPE and choroid have intensive hyper‐reflection and may be the primary location of the disease.
Refractive change after transscleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses in the absence of capsular support
Authors: Mimura Tatsuya , Amano Shiro , Sugiura Takeshi , Funatsu Hideharu , Yamagami Satoru , Araie Makoto , Eguchi Shuichiro 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To report the refractive change that occurred over 12 years after secondary transscleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs). Methods:  A total of 21 patients who underwent transscleral fixation of PC IOLs were studied. We were able to follow 15 eyes of 15 patients for more than 12 years. We evaluated refractive change in each patient for 12 years after the operation. Results:  The spherical refractive equivalent was − 0.95 ± 2.21 D immediately after the operation, − 1.16 ± 2.28 D after 2 years and − 1.37 ± 1.94 D after 12 years. Conclusion:  There were few changes in the spherical refractive equivalent up to 12 years after the operation.
Ascorbic acid reversibly inhibits proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Heckelen A. , Hermel M. , Kondring B. , Schrage N. F. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  Proliferation control in adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE) cells is an essential factor in the clinical management of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Factors which inhibit PVR and which are without toxic potential are therefore of interest in controlling proliferation. The aim of the present study was to gain insight into a possible function of high intraocular ascorbic acid levels as a physiological modulator of proliferation. Methods:  Adult retinal pigment epithelial cells were incubated in vitro with increasing concentrations of ascorbic acid (0.5–4 mmol, pH 7.4). Cell proliferation was assayed by the bromide‐deoxy‐uridine (BrdU) assay. The culture medium (CM) containing ascorbic acid was replaced with normal CM and the recovery of proliferation was measured after 24 hours. In order to be able to distinguish between proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, necrosis and recovery of proliferation, we performed TUNEL assays and fluorescence analysis cell‐counter (FAC) analysis. Results:  Ascorbic acid significantly inhibits ARPE cell proliferation if it is present in concentrations above 2 mmol. Proliferation resumed in all ARPE cell cultures after pre‐incubation with ascorbic acid, indicating that direct toxicity of ascorbic acid is a negligible factor. The time‐point and extent of recovery in proliferation was dependent on the initial ascorbic acid concentration. Fluorescence‐labelled cell counts on apoptosis markers (FAC) data showed some induction of apoptosis and necrosis after incubation with 4 mmol ascorbic acid. Conclusions:  Ascorbic acid has a dose‐dependent influence on the proliferation of vital ARPE cells. This possibly reflects the role of ascorbic acid at a physiological level within the vitreous cavity in preventing proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). These findings may stimulate the development of new strategies in the clinical treatment of PVR.
An unusual pathogen causing microbial keratitis
Authors: Saeed M. Usman , Jafree Afsar Jalil , DeCock Romain , Nash James 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Introduction:  We report a rare case of Mycobacterium fortuitum affecting the corneal graft of a patient 6 years post‐graft, possibly associated with contact lens use. Conclusions:  This case shows the need for careful microbiological techniques when dealing with patients presenting with microbial keratitis. It must be kept in mind that unusual and slow growing organisms may also be responsible for corneal ulceration. If a slow growing organism is suspected, a microbiological diagnosis may not be forthcoming for weeks. Misidentification of the responsible pathogen may further complicate management for the clinicians. Cases such as these, which may not respond to medical therapy as expected, may prove a difficult therapeutic challenge to physicians.
Functional and anatomic results of macular hole surgery complicated by massive indocyanine green subretinal migration
Authors: Brazitikos Periklis D. , Androudi Sofia , Tsinopoulos Ioannis , Papadopoulos Nick Th. , Balidis Miltiadis , Georgiadis Nikolaos 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To report the functional and anatomic results of macular hole (MH) surgery complicated by massive subretinal migration of indocyanine green (ICG) dye. Design:  Interventional case report. Methods:  We performed standard pars plana vitrectomy surgery for a stage 3, senile idiopathic MH. After posterior vitreous detachment and vitreous removal, we instilled 2 ml of ICG (0.5%, 270 mOsm); the surgery was complicated by diffuse subretinal migration of the ICG dye but peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was performed (despite the obvious difficulties from the low contrast between the green‐stained ILM overlying a green‐stained subretinal space) and the rest of the procedure was completed with a final injection of 16% C3F8. Results:  Post‐surgical optical coherence tomography confirmed the anatomic closure of the MH. Digital photography with the excitation and barrier filters for ICG showed a striking autofluorescence along the inferior vascular arcade, which remained intense 7 months after surgery. Despite the massive subretinal migration of ICG, visual acuity (VA) improved to 20/30. Conclusions:  This is the first report of VA recovery despite massive subretinal migration of ICG dye during MH surgery. Subretinal migration of ICG dye may be a potential complication during MH surgery; this should alert the surgeon to limit its use, despite the possible absence of clinically apparent toxic effects.
Neurosarcoidosis mimicking Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Tuisku Ilpo S. J. , Konttinen Yrjö T. , Soinila Seppo , Karma Anni , Tervo Timo M. T. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe a patient with a long disease history who was finally diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis and to discuss the reasons behind the delayed diagnosis. Case Report:  A 58‐year‐old man with sick sinus syndrome and bradycardia, which was treated with a pacemaker, developed first right and then left facial palsy. Subsequently, multiple cranial nerve palsies developed and later spontaneously resolved. Neurosarcoidosis was suspected at that stage, but excluded because the patient had no typical sarcoid lung changes, his serum and cerebrospinal fluid angiotensin converting enzyme activity levels were normal and a computed tomography scan disclosed no central nervous system changes. During follow‐up, the patient developed extremely dry eyes and mouth, suggesting Sjögren's syndrome. Rheumatology consultation did not reveal any autoimmune or visceral features typical of Sjögren's syndrome and autoantibodies were negative. However, both labial salivary gland and conjunctival biopsies revealed non‐caseating granulomas, and neurosarcoidosis was diagnosed. Conclusions:  Neurosarcoidosis is a relatively rare disease with a somewhat poor longterm prognosis in one‐third of cases, although the neurological manifestations often diminish or disappear in response to glucocorticoid treatment. Diagnosis is often a clinical challenge, especially in the absence of pulmonary changes or other features typical of sarcoidosis. The labial salivary gland and conjunctiva provide helpful biopsy sites for histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis.
Transpupillary thermotherapy for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization associated with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Tranos P. , Singh M. , Peter N. M. , Dhir L. , Kon C. , Rassam S. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Objective:  To evaluate the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Design:  Prospective, non‐randomized, non‐masked, case‐selected series. Methods:  All patients with subfoveal CNV due to AMD and initial visual acuity (VA) between 6/9 and 6/60 were offered the opportunity to undergo TTT. Recruited subjects were treated using a diode laser (810 nm) with a beam size of 1.2–3.0 mm and power settings of 460–1200 mW. Treatment was applied for 60 seconds in a subthreshold manner. Main outcome measures:  Differences in VA and changes in the angiographic appearance of CNV. Results:  Thirty‐one occult/predominantly occult and five classic/predominantly classic membranes were treated with TTT and were followed‐up for a mean of 6.0 ± 1.2 months. Following an average of 1.5 ± 0.7 (range 1–4) laser sessions, VA remained stable ( − 1 to + 1 Snellen line) in 24 (66.7%) eyes, improved by > 1 line in two (5.6%) eyes and decreased significantly (≥ 2 Snellen lines) in 10 (27.8%) eyes. Angiographically confirmed closure of CNV was detected in 22 (61.1%) patients. Membranes persisted in 11 (30.6%) eyes and recurred in three (8.3%) eyes. There was no association between reduction, elimination or persistence of angiographic leakage of CNV and change in VA after treatment (p = 0.347). Conclusions:  Transpupillary thermotherapy may be effective at preserving vision and reducing CNV leakage in a number of patients with exudative AMD. Further studies are required to compare TTT with the natural course of subfoveal CNV and alternative treatment options.
Prognostic factors for survival after enucleation for choroidal and ciliary body melanomas
Authors: Isager Peter , Ehlers Niels , Overgaard Jens 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate prognostic factors for the survival of patients treated by enucleation for choroidal and ciliary body melanomas. Methods:  The study included 293 consecutive patients (147 men and 146 women) treated by enucleation for a choroidal or ciliary body melanoma during the period 1955–2000. The median age at treatment was 61 years (range 26–88 years). Clinical and histopathological findings, vital status at October 1st, 2002, and cause of death were registered. Prognostic factors for survival were evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis and by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results:  Follow‐up was complete. The median follow‐up time was 6.2 years (range 21 days to 43.4 years) and the median potential follow‐up time was 25.7 years (range 1.9–47.7 years). In multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis an increased risk of melanoma‐related death was found for largest basal diameter (n = 264, p < 0.001, mortality rate ratio (RR) = 1.09 for continuous parameter in mm), anterior tumour margin at the iris/ciliary body versus choroid (p < 0.001, RR = 2.22), and non‐spindle cell type versus spindle cell (p = 0.047, RR = 1.45). An increased risk of death from all causes was found for men versus women (n = 266, p = 0.02, RR = 1.41), high age (p < 0.001, RR = 1.41 for continuous parameter in 10‐year age groups), largest basal diameter (p < 0.001, RR = 1.07), anterior tumour margin at the iris/ciliary body (p = 0.02, RR = 1.52), and non‐spindle cell type (p = 0.04, RR = 1.34). Conclusion:  The risk of melanoma‐related death after enucleation for a choroidal or ciliary body melanoma was high for tumours with large basal diameter, of non‐spindle cell type and anterior location. Additional risk factors for death from all causes were male sex and high age.
Patterns of Locoregional Failure in Patients With Operable Breast Cancer Treated by Mastectomy and Adjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Tamoxifen and Without Radiotherapy: Results From Five National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Taghian Alphonse , Jeong Jong-Hyeon , Mamounas Eleftherios , Anderson Stewart , Bryant John , Deutsch Melvin , Wolmark Norman 
Published: September 2004

Purpose To assess patterns of locoregional failure (LRF) in lymph node–positive (LN+) breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy (± tamoxifen) and without postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in five National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trials. Patients and Methods We examined 5,758 patients enrolled onto the B-15, B-16, B-18, B-22, and B-25 trials. Median follow-up time was 11.1 years. Distribution of pathologic tumor size was ≤ 2 cm, 2.1 to 5 cm, and more than 5 cm in 30%, 52%, and 11% of patients, respectively. Distribution of the number of LN+ was one to three, four to nine, and ≥ 10 in 51%, 32%, and 16% of patients, respectively. Ninety percent of patients received doxorubicin-based chemotherapy. Results The overall 10-year cumulative incidences of isolated LRF, LRF with or without distant failure (DF), and DF alone as first event were 12.2%, 19.8%, and 43.3%, respectively. Cumulative incidences for LRF as first event with or without DF for patients with one to three, four to nine, and ≥ 10 LN+ were 13.0%, 24.4%, and 31.9%, respectively (P < .0001). For patients with a tumor size of ≤ 2 cm, 2.1 to 5.0 cm, and more than 5.0 cm, these incidences were 14.9%, 21.3%, and 24.6%, respectively (P < .0001). Multivariate analysis showed age, tumor size, premenopausal status, number of LN+, and number of dissected LN as significant predictors for LRF as first event. Conclusion In patients with large tumors and four or more LN+, LRF as first event remains a significant problem. Although PMRT is currently recommended for patients with four or more LN+, it may also have value in selected patients with one to three LN+. However, in the absence of a randomized trial examining the worth of radiotherapy in this group of patients, the value of PMRT remains unknown.
Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind Study of Epoetin Alfa Compared With Placebo in Anemic Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Witzig Thomas E. , Silberstein Peter T. , Loprinzi Charles L. , Sloan Jeff A. , Novotny Paul J. , Mailliard James A. , Rowland Kendrith M. , Alberts Steven R. , Krook James E. , Levitt Ralph , Morton Roscoe F. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose To determine whether weekly epoetin alfa could improve hemoglobin (HgB) levels, reduce RBC transfusions, and improve quality of life (QOL) in patients with advanced cancer and with anemia after receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Patients and Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled study randomly assigned patients to placebo or epoetin alfa (Ortho Biotech, Bridgewater, NJ) 40,000 U subcutaneous weekly for 16 weeks. QOL, HgB, and RBC transfusions were measured pretreatment and monthly. Results The study accrued 344 patients; 330 were assessable for efficacy and 305 were assessable for QOL. Placebo-treated patients had a mean increase in HgB of 0.9 g/dL (range, −3.8 to +5.3) compared with 2.8 g/dL (range, −2.2 to +7.5) for epoetin-treated patients (P < .0001). During the study, 31.7% of placebo-treated patients achieved a ≥ 2 g/dL HgB increase compared with 72.7% of epoetin-treated patients (P < .0001). The incidence of RBC transfusion for placebo and epoetin treatment arms was 39.6% and 25.3% (P = .005), respectively. The placebo group received 256 units of RBCs compared with 127 units in the epoetin group (P < .0001). The incidence of toxicity in the groups was similar. Changes in the average QOL scores from baseline to the end of the study were similar in the two groups (P = not significant). The HgB responders (irrespective of treatment arm) had a mean change in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) fatigue score from a baseline of +5.1 compared with −2.1 for the nonresponders (P = .006). Conclusion Epoetin alfa significantly improved HgB and reduced transfusions in this patient population. These results support the use of weekly epoetin alfa as an ameliorative agent for cancer-related anemia.
Peroxynitrite scavenging mode of alaternin isolated from Cassia tora
Authors: Park Tae Hyun , Kim Dae Hyun , Kim Chul Hong , Jung Hyun Ah , Choi Jae Sue , Lee Jae Won , Chung Hae Young 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Peroxynitrite (ONOO−), formed from the reaction of superoxide (.O2−) and nitric oxide (.NO), is a potent oxidant that contributes to the oxidation of various cellular constituents, including lipids, amino acids, sulfhydryls and nucleotides. It can cause cellular injury, such as DNA fragmentation and apoptotic cell death. ONOO− toxicity is also reported to be involved in inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and atherosclerosis. Moreover, the necessity for a strong ONOO− scavenger is important because of the lack of endogenous enzymes that protect against the damage caused by ONOO−. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of natural products to scavenge ONOO−. We tested various plant extracts for their ONOO− scavenging activity. Among them, extract from Cassia tora, which is well known as an oriental herb in traditional medicine, showed potent ONOO− scavenging activity. Further analysis identified the phenolic active components, alaternin and nor-rubrofusarin glucose, as potent ONOO− scavengers. Spectrophotometric analysis demonstrated that alaternin and nor-rubrofusarin glucose led to a decrease in the ONOO−-mediated nitration of tyrosine through electron donation. In bovine serum albumin, alaternin, but not nor-rubrofusarin glucose, showed significant inhibition of ONOO−-mediated nitration in a dose-dependent manner. We believe alaternin can be developed as an effective ONOO− scavenger for the prevention of ONOO−-associated diseases.