The Journal of urology
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The Journal of urology · Mar 2007
ReviewThe expanding role of epigenetics in the development, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Prostate cancer research has focused significant attention on the mutation, deletion or amplification of the DNA base sequence that encodes critical growth or suppressor genes. However, these changes have left significant gaps in our understanding of the development and progression of disease. It has become clear that epigenetic changes or modifications that influence phenotype without altering the genotype present a new and entirely different mechanism for gene regulation. Several interrelated epigenetic modifications that are altered in abnormal growth states are DNA methylation changes, histone modifications and genomic imprinting. We discuss the status of epigenetic alterations in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia progression. In addition, the rationale and status of ongoing clinical trials altering epigenetic processes in urological diseases are reviewed. ⋯ Evolving data support a significant role for epigenetic processes in the development of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Epigenetic changes can predict tumor behavior and often distinguish between genetically identical tumors. Targeted drugs that alter epigenetic modifications hold promise as a tool for curing and preventing these diseases.
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The Journal of urology · Mar 2007
A critical assessment of the quality of reporting of randomized, controlled trials in the urology literature.
Randomized, controlled trials are the gold standard for evidence based assessment of therapeutic interventions. In 1996 the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement was published in an effort to standardize the reporting of clinical trials. To our knowledge we report the first systematic assessment of randomized, controlled trial quality in the urology literature by Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials standards. ⋯ This formal review suggests that randomized, controlled trial reporting in the urology literature has improved since the publication of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement in 1996. Certain areas, such as reporting of trial methods, continue to meet Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials criteria in fewer than half of publications. Ongoing graduate and postgraduate education in trial design and evidence based practice may result in further improvement in randomized, controlled trial reporting.
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The Journal of urology · Mar 2007
The effect of androgen deprivation therapy on periodontal disease in men with prostate cancer.
We tested the hypothesis that men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy as treatment for prostate cancer are at greater risk for periodontitis and tooth loss. ⋯ Men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy were more likely to have periodontal disease than men not on androgen deprivation therapy. If confirmed in larger studies, this observation could have important public health implications, given the increasing use of androgen deprivation therapy to treat prostate cancer.
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The Journal of urology · Mar 2007
Factors associated with the full publication of studies presented in abstract form at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association.
Many abstracts presented at scientific meetings never come to full text publication, which is a prerequisite for the critical appraisal of a given study for its validity, impact and generalizability. We determined factors associated with the publication of abstracts presented at the American Urological Association national meeting. ⋯ Nonpublication of research findings is a problematic issue that affects more than half of studies 2 years after presentation at the American Urological Association national meeting. Abstracts from the United States and those providing statistical testing were more likely to be published in full text form. Further efforts are warranted to identify and eliminate factors that hinder publication of research to bring it to the scrutiny of a broad audience of urologists.
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The Journal of urology · Mar 2007
Case ReportsCommunity associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus causing Fournier's gangrene and genital infections.
We identified an emerging infectious disease of the genitoperineum caused by community associated, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. ⋯ Community associated, methicillin resistant S. aureus infections of the genitoperineum are likely to increase in incidence, necessitating heightened awareness on the part of the urologist.