bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
99mTc-Fab' Fragments (Sulesomab) for Imaging Septically Loosened Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Gratz S , Behr TM , Reize P , Pfestroff A , Kampen WU , Höffken H
Published: February 2013

The diagnostic accuracy of infection scintigraphy with 99mTc-labelled monoclonal antibody Fab' fragments (sulesomab) was studied in patients with suspected total knee arthroplasty (TKA) infection. Images from 26 patients were evaluated by two independent readers and compared with a quantitative interpretation of time-activity courses. Microbiological examinations and joint aspiration results were used as reference standards. Histologically, aseptic TKA loosening occurred in two patients and severe, moderate or mild septic loosening in four, nine and 11 patients, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy for severe infection was 100% for both readers, whereas for moderate infection accuracy decreased by 12% and 12% for readers one and two, respectively. For mild infection a further decrease of approximately 61% and 52% occurred for readers one and two, respectively. Quantitative evaluation gave significantly better results over visual interpretation with a diagnostic accuracy of 100% for severe infection and decreased by only 10% and 15% in patients with moderate and mild infection, respectively. Quantitative evaluation of 99mTc-Fab' fragments is highly sensitive and specific for diagnostic imaging of infection in patients with septically-loosened TKA.
Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein Concentration and Oxidative Susceptibility Changes after Consumption of Soybean Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Palm Oil and Mixed Rice Bran/Palm Oil in Hypercholesterolaemic Women
Authors: Utarwuthipong T , Komindr S , Pakpeankitvatana V , Songchitsomboon S , Thongmuang N
Published: February 2013

The effects of a diet containing soybean oil (SBO), rice bran oil (RBO), palm oil (PO) or a RBO/PO (3:1) mixture on the composition and oxidation of small dense low-density lipoproteins (sdLDL) in 16 hypercholesterolaemic women were investigated. During the 8-week control period, participants consumed a free-choice weight-maintaining diet comprising carbohydrate (55% energy), protein (15% energy) and fat (30% energy) with < 300 mg/day of cholesterol. During each 10-week study period, participants consumed this same diet but with the addition of one of the three test oils or the RBO/PO mixture. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels were significantly reduced during SBO, RBO and RBO/PO consumption, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly decreased by SBO consumption. There was a significant reduction in sdLDL-cholesterol levels only after using SBO and it tended to be reduced during RBO/PO consumption, whereas it was significantly increased following PO consumption. The sdLDL oxidation lag time was significantly increased during PO, RBO/PO and RBO consumption, but significantly reduced following SBO. The results for the RBO/PO mixture suggest that this oil mixture might further reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Impact of Breast Cancer Surgery on the Self-Esteem and Sexual Life of Female Patients
Authors: Markopoulos C , Tsaroucha AK , Kouskos E , Mantas D , Antonopoulou Z , Karvelis S
Published: February 2013

Patient satisfaction with cosmetic outcome and the psychological impact of breast cancer surgery were evaluated. A total of 207 patients with primary breast cancer, treated with either breast-conserving surgery ( n = 83), modified radical mastectomy without reconstruction ( n = 108), or mastectomy with delayed breast reconstruction ( n = 16) rated their cosmetic outcome and satisfaction following surgery, and the impact of surgery on their self-esteem and sexual life, by questionnaire. Patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery were most satisfied with their surgery and body image, followed by those treated with mastectomy with delayed reconstruction. Although diagnosis of breast cancer had a negative impact on the psychology of all patients, those undergoing breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy with delayed reconstruction were more satisfied and reported a lower impact on their self-esteem and sexual life versus those who only had mastectomy. Diagnosis of breast cancer has a negative psychological impact on the patient, but the type of surgery has a significant role in post-operative self-esteem and sexual life.
A Giant Facial Nerve Schwannoma Extending from the Middle Cranial Fossa to the Mastoid Region: Case Report
Authors: Xu X , Tong Y , Jin J , Zhan R , Zhou Y
Published: February 2013

Facial nerve schwannomas are uncommon benign tumours and seldom extend into the middle cranial fossa. This is a case report of a giant facial nerve schwannoma extending from the middle cranial fossa to the mastoid region, which was successfully removed using combined interdisciplinary subtemporal and transmastoid approaches. Complete resection of the tumour was the optimal therapy for this patient because the facial nerve had been severely destroyed by the tumour. The clinical presentation, histological features, radiological findings and management of this case, as well as the relevant literature, are presented.
Hepatic Angiomyolipoma Mimicking Hepatic Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen P , Yuan T , Liu H
Published: February 2013

Angiomyolipoma usually involves the kidney and rarely affects the liver. This study reports a case of angiomyolipoma of the liver in a 47-year-old Chinese woman. The patient did not present with abdominal pain and jaundice. Imaging showed a small mass in the right liver. The hepatic artery and portal vein were free from invasion. Partial hepatectomy was performed after a tentative diagnosis of clear cell carcinoma of the liver by needle biopsy. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed angiomyolipoma originating in the liver. The post-operative clinical course was uneventful and, at the time of writing, the patient was well with no signs of recurrence 6 months after operation. To our knowledge this is the first documented case of an angiomyolipoma arising in the liver mimicking hepatic clear cell carcinoma.
Molecular Analysis of a Novel Cathepsin K Gene Mutation in a Chinese Child with Pycnodysostosis
Authors: Li H-Y , Ma H-W , Wang H-Q , Ma W-H
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the relationship between a cathepsin K (CTSK) gene mutation and the pathogenesis of pycnodysostosis in a Chinese patient. A typical pycnodysostosis case and 30 healthy controls were enrolled into the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples taken from the patient and controls, and the encoding exons of CTSK were amplified and sequenced. Sequencing of the CTSK gene revealed homozygosity for a novel missense mutation in the pycnodysostosis patient, predicting the amino acid exchange from glutamine to proline at position 187 (Q187P). This point mutation in exon 5 of the CTSK gene results in the typical clinical features found in Chinese patients with pycnodysostosis. No similar changes in the CTSK gene sequences were found in the healthy controls.
Impaired Blood Rheology and Elevated Remnant-like Lipoprotein Particle Cholesterol in Hypercholesterolaemic Subjects
Authors: Nara M , Sumino H , Nara M , Machida T , Amagai H , Nakajima K , Murakami M
Published: February 2013

Blood rheology, fasting serum concentrations of remnant-like lipoprotein particle cholesterol (RLP-C) and concentrations of other lipids were compared in 23 hypercholesterolaemic and 69 normocholesterolaemic subjects, and the relationship between red blood cell (RBC) deformability and RLP-C concentrations were studied in a different set of six hypercholesterolaemic and six normocholesterolaemic subjects. Passage time of whole blood and concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and RLP-C were significantly higher in hypercholesterolaemic than in normocholesterolaemic subjects. Passage time of whole blood correlated positively with TC, TG, LDL-C and RLP-C and negatively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, the passage time of 10% haematocrit-adjusted RBCs in phosphate-buffered saline, which reflects RBC deformability, correlated positively with the passage time of whole blood and RLP-C. Thus, hypercholesterolaemic subjects had impaired blood rheology and elevated RLP-C concentrations, which may be associated with the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Impaired RBC deformability may contribute to impaired blood rheology associated with elevated RLP-C in hypercholesterolaemic subjects.
The Association of Oxidative Stress and Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Çekin E , Ipcioglu OM , Erkul BE , Kapucu B , Ozcan O , Cincik H , Gungor A
Published: February 2013

Many diseases are linked to damage from reactive oxygen species that occurs from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, a condition called oxidative stress. Nasal polyposis is considered to be an inflammatory condition in nasal and paranasal sinus cavities and its aetiology is still unclear. There are very few data on epithelial changes in nasal polyposis and their relationship with free radical damage. Malondialdehyde as a major end-product of lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide as antioxidants play important roles in oxidative stress. In this study, the concentrations of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide were compared in normal and nasal polyposis-affected tissue samples. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher, and superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide levels were significantly lower in patients with nasal polyposis compared with the control group. This study demonstrates that there is a strong relationship between oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.
Association between Renin-Angiotensin System Gene Polymorphism and Recurrent Wheezing in Chinese Children: A 4-year Follow-up Study
Authors: Guo S , Zhang JH , Yan YD , Ding YF , Sheng JY
Published: February 2013

This study aimed to clarify the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) gene polymorphisms and infant wheezing, and to determine whether an association may contribute to early prediction of persistent wheezing and asthma. The study cohort comprised 149 patients with asthma, 169 patients with wheezing but no clinical diagnosis of asthma and 165 healthy control subjects. The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Total serum immunoglobulin E was determined for the wheezy group and a 4-year follow-up study was carried out to observe wheezing relapse. Significant differences were found between patients and controls in allele frequency and genotype distribution. The DD genotype was more frequent in patients in the wheezing and asthma groups than in the control subjects. Patients with the DD genotype had a higher frequency of relapse than patients expressing the ID or II genotypes. It is concluded that the DD genotype of ACE is a risk factor for recurrent wheezing in early childhood.
In Vitro Differentiation of Human Placenta-derived Adherent Cells into Insulin-producing Cells
Authors: Sun NZ , Ji HS
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the differentiation of placenta-derived adherent cells (PDACs) into insulin-producing cells (IPCs). PDACs were cultured and the cells characterized by analysis of cell surface markers using flow cytometry. The PDACs were then treated with induction media containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME). After induction, the presence of IPCs was demonstrated using dithizone staining, and the production of functional insulin was confirmed using immunocytochemistry and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of the islet-associated genes PDX-1, Insulin 1, Insulin 2 and Glut 2 in the induced cells was measured using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; PDX-1 was expressed after 7 days of induction and PDX-1, Insulin 1 and Insulin 2 were all detected after 14 days. These results suggest that the placenta could be a new source of stem cells that can be induced to differentiate into IPCs following treatment with media containing bFGF and β-ME.
Suppression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Expression by Targeting the Bcr-Abl Oncogene and Protein Tyrosine Kinase Activity in Bcr-Abl-positive Leukaemia Cells
Authors: Li L , Zhang R , Fang ZY , Chen JN , Zhu ZL
Published: February 2013

Studies have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major and potent inducer of angiogenesis, is directly triggered by the disease-related oncogene Bcr-Abl in Bcr-Abl-positive cells. In this study, inhibition of Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase activity by imatinib significantly decreased VEGF expression in Bcr-Abl-positive K562 cells in vitro Imatinib treatment in vivo of nude mice xenografted with K562 cells resulted in a significant reduction in tumour size and microvessel density compared with untreated tumours. In addition, interfering with Bcr-Abl oncogene expression with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) not only induced a specific reduction of Bcr-Abl mRNA and protein expression, but also efficiently inhibited the expression of VEGF in K562 cells. Combined treatment with imatinib and Bcr-Abl-targeting siRNAs resulted in an enhanced effect on VEGF suppression in K562 cells. The combined application of Bcr-Abl-targeting siRNAs and imatinib may provide a potent novel therapeutic approach for chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Detection of Cancer Stem Cells from the C6 Glioma Cell Line
Authors: Zhou X-D , Wang X-Y , Qu F-J , Zhong Y-H , Lu X-D , Zhao P , Wang D-H , Huang Q-B , Zhang L , Li X-G
Published: February 2013

Various malignant cancers have been found to contain a sub-population of stem cell-like tumour cells, or cancer stem cells (CSCs), however, culture methods for CSCs and the size of the fraction of CSCs in C6, which is a commonly used glioma cell line, remain controversial. In this study, we demonstrated that the C6 cell line contains a fraction of tumour cells that can form tumour spheres in a simplified serum-free neural stem cell medium and express CD133 and nestin, which are widely-used markers for brain CSCs. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence confirmed the existence of CSCs both in the C6 cell line and C6 xenografts. Flow cytometry demonstrated that 4.02% of cells in the C6 cell line and 4.21% in the C6 xenografts presented as CSCs. These results confirm the fraction of CSCs in the C6 cell line and provide a simple and effective method for isolation of CSCs to study the initiation and progression of human glioma and, possibly, other malignant tumours.
Comparison of Dual X-ray Laser and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Techniques of Osteodensitometry
Authors: Yumru AE , Bozkurt M , Aksoy HE , Coskun E Inci , Ayanoglu YT
Published: February 2013

Dual X-ray laser (DXL) heel measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) total hip and lumbar spine BMD measurements were compared for their ability to detect osteoporosis and osteopenia according to World Health Organization criteria. The study included 164 women aged 40–83 years. DXL heel measurements were recorded for all patients and 89 of the women underwent DEXA. For DXL heel measurements/DEXA lumbar spine measurements, the relative sensitivity was 50%, relative specificity was 97% and relative reliability (Kappa score) was 0.55 for osteoporosis detection. For detecting osteoporosis or osteopenia, the relative sensitivity increased to 86% but the relative specificity reduced to 38% and the relative reliability was considerably lower (Kappa score 0.21). Although previous studies have shown DXL heel measurement to be a good technique in the diagnosis and assessment of osteoporosis based on BMD, particularly for fast, cost-effective bone scanning, we suggest that there are currently insufficient data to prove its use as a standard measurement technique for BMD.
Influence of Propylthiouracil and Methimazole Pre-treatment on the Outcome of Iodine-131 Therapy in Hyperthyroid Patients with Graves' Disease
Authors: Shi G-M , Xu Q , Zhu C-Y , Yang Y-L
Published: February 2013

There is ongoing controversy about potential differences in the influence of the anti-thyroid drugs propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (MMI) on radioiodine treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism. This retrospective study investigated the influence of PTU and MMI pre-treatment, individually or sequentially, on the outcome of iodine-131 (131I) therapy in 199 patients with Graves' disease who had been treated with 131I for the first time and followed up at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Pre-treatment with PTU, or sequential PTU and MMI pre-treatment, increased the failure rate of 131I therapy and reduced the rate of hypothyroidism. MMI pre-treatment alone had no significant influence on the results of 131I therapy. Logistic regression analyses indicated that PTU pre-treatment and having a thyroid gland of > 60 g were both significantly related to 131I therapy failure.
Performance of the A-line Autoregressive Index (AAI) and of the Bispectral Index (BIS) at Assessing Depth of Short-term Sedation following Cardiac Surgery
Authors: von Dossow V , Moshirzadeh M , Kastrup M , Wernecke K-Di , Konertz W , Spies C
Published: February 2013

This study evaluated the correlation and agreement between the Bispectral Index (BIS) or A-line Autoregressive Index (AAI) and a clinical scoring system, the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS), in 40 patients after elective cardiac surgery and admission to the intensive care unit. All patients received sedation with propofol according to the study protocol. BIS, AAI and RSS were documented at two different levels of sedation: deep sedation RSS 4–6; and slight sedation/extubation RSS 2–3. Both the BIS and AAI agreed well with the RSS (η-coefficients of 0.902 and 0.836, respectively, for mean overall RSS stages). The systems agreed well among each other (overall intra-class correlations of 0.670 for consistency and 0.676 for absolute agreement). There was significant discrimination between RSS 2–3 and RSS 4–6 with BIS and AAI (BIS mean difference of 24.73, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 21.08–28.37; AAI mean difference of 20.90, 95% CI 14.64–27.16). In conclusion, BIS and AAI correlated well with RSS overall and also at different levels of sedation.
Abnormal Motor Reflexes and Dormant Facial Motor Neurons in Rats with Facial–Facial Anastomosis
Authors: Chen P , Song J , Luo LH , Zhong G , Xiao HJ , Gong SS
Published: February 2013

After facial nerve injury, some postparalysis sequelae, such as synkinesis, hemispasm and ‘crocodile tears’ syndrome appear. The psychosocial impact of these sequelae is unavoidable. Despite recent advances and the growing popularity of this field, the pathophysiological mechanisms of facial nerve injury and regeneration are still not well understood. In this report, an abnormal motor reflex coincident with synkinetic facial movement was examined in a rat model using the blink reflex technique. Some dormant facial motor neurons were found which could not innervate through the suture site but remained alive. These results suggest that such dormant neurons might exert roles distinct from those of re-innervated neurons during facial nerve injury and regeneration. Further study is required to elucidate the biomolecular structure and electrophysiological features of such neurons.
Ionic Dissolution Products of NovaBone® Promote Osteoblastic Proliferation via Influences on the Cell Cycle
Authors: Qiu Z , Yang H , Wu J , Wei L , Li J
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the effects of the ionic dissolution products of NovaBone® on osteoblastic proliferation and cell cycle regulation. MG63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured in NovaBone®-conditioned Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) or control DMEM for 10 days. The concentration of silicon ions was significantly higher in NovaBone®-conditioned DMEM than control DMEM. MG63 cells cultured in NovaBone®-conditioned DMEM exhibited greater proliferation on days 1 and 4 than control cells. There were increased proportions of Novabone®-conditioned DMEM-cultured cells in the S and G2/M phases, and decreased proportions in the G0/G1 phase on days 1 and 4 versus control cells, while no differences were observed on days 7 and 10 between the two groups. Bone morphogenic protein 2 production increased in both groups, but was significantly higher for the NovaBone®-conditioned DMEM-cultured cells on day 10 compared with the controls. In conclusion, the NovaBone® ionic dissolution products, particularly the silicon ions, promoted proliferation of MG63 osteoblast-like cells in vitro via influences on the cell cycle.
SHARP-2 Gene Silencing by Lentiviral-based Short Hairpin RNA Interference Prolonged Rat Kidney Transplant Recipients' Survival Time
Authors: Shou Z , Xiao H , Xu Y , Wang Y , Yang Y , Jiang H , Chen J , Yamada K , Miyamoto K
Published: February 2013

Split- and hairy-related protein-2 (SHARP-2) controls the expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which both play a key role in transplant rejection. This study was designed to investigate whether SHARP-2 short hairpin RNA interference (shRNAi) could prolong the survival of rat kidney transplant recipients. A lentiviral-based shRNAi construct, LV-SHARP-2iC, showed a SHARP-2 gene silencing efficiency of 84% in normal rat kidney cells. In activated T-cells, SHARP-2 gene silencing with the LV-SHARP-2iC construct resulted in 61% and 69% down-regulation of IL-2 and IFN-γ, respectively, compared with a scramble control construct. When donor kidney was perfused with 5 × 107 transforming units of the LV-SHARP-2iC construct, the median survival time of the transplant recipients was prolonged by 4–5 days compared with control groups. In conclusion, recombinant lentiviral LV-SHARP-2iC construct effectively silenced SHARP-2 gene expression, which reduced IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNA expression and prolonged rat kidney transplant recipients' survival.
Advanced Glycation End-products Enhance Calcification in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Ren X , Shao H , Wei Q , Sun Z , Liu N
Published: February 2013

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), senescent macroprotein derivatives formed at an accelerated rate in diabetes, are closely associated with vascular calcification in humans. In this study, the hypothesis that AGEs enhance calcification in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was tested. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and specific protein assays, it was demonstrated that rat aortic VSMCs incubated with AGEs exhibited an increased expression of the AGE receptor (RAGE) and typical bone proteins, such as osteopontin and alkaline phosphatase. Incubation with AGEs also enhanced calcium accumulation in VSMCs in time-and dose-dependent manners. These AGEs-mediated changes in VSMCs were partially attenuated by a neutralizing antibody to RAGE. The results suggest that AGEs that accumulate in diabetes could elicit the osteoblastic differentiation of VSMCs, thereby contributing to vascular calcification via the RAGE pathway. Interruption of the AGE-RAGE interaction might be a promising target for therapeutic intervention to prevent diabetic vascular calcification.
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Interleukin-17 (IL-17) Plasma Levels are Increased in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Liang J , Zheng Z , Wang M , Han L , Zheng Z , Peng J , Liu Z , Wei Y
Published: February 2013

There are several reports of myeloperoxidase (MPO) playing an important role in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by activated CD4 T cells that has a chemotactic and activating effect on neutrophils. It has also been shown that IL-17 recruits neutrophils via the release of C-X-C chemokines. The roles of MPO and IL-17 in ACS, however, have not been established. This study measured plasma MPO and IL-17 levels in 10 patients with ACS, 11 age- and sex-matched patients with stable angina and 12 healthy control subjects. Plasma MPO and IL-17 levels were significantly elevated in ACS patients compared with the patients with stable angina and the healthy control subjects. In addition, plasma MPO levels correlated with plasma IL-17 levels in all study participants. It is concluded that MPO and IL-17 are powerful indicators of acute coronary inflammation, however the data set was very small, so larger prospective studies are required.
Simvastatin Reduces Expression and Activity of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 in the Aorta of Hypercholesterolaemic Atherosclerotic Rabbits
Authors: Qiao Z , Ren J , Chen H
Published: February 2013

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) contributes to atherosclerotic plaque instability and subsequent sudden coronary death. Statins are associated with decreased stroke risk and may improve stability of atherosclerotic plaques. The present study investigated the effect of simvastatin on expression of Lp-PLA2 levels in atherosclerotic plaques and on Lp-PLA2 activity in atherosclerotic aortas. Rabbits were a fed chow (control group) or a high-cholesterol diet (atherosclerosis group) for 12 weeks. An additional group on the high-cholesterol diet received simvastatin (5 mg/kg per day) for the last 4 weeks (simvastatin group). Lp-PLA2 activity in plasma and atherosclerotic aortas was significantly higher in the atherosclerosis group than in the control group and, consistent with this, abundant Lp-PLA2 protein was detected in plaques in the atherosclerosis group. Simvastatin significantly reduced Lp-PLA2 activity in plasma and aorta tissue, and reduced Lp-PLA2 protein level in atherosclerotic plaques. Whereas there was no significant difference in total atherosclerotic lesion area between simvastatin and atherosclerosis groups, simvastatin significantly reduced macrophage content, lipid retention and the intima/media ratio but increased the content of smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic lesions. Thus, statin treatment markedly reduced Lp-PLA2 in both plasma and atherosclerotic plaques. This was associated with attenuation of the local inflammatory response and improved plaque stability.
The Relationship between Chinese Construction Workers' HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Qu B , Guo HQ , Liu J , Zuo TM , Zhang Y , Sun G
Published: February 2013

This study explored the relationship between human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in migrant urban construction workers using structural equation modelling (SEM). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 428 male subjects on three building sites in Shenyang City. The SEM model of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour was built using LISREL version 8.5 and it fitted the data well, as shown by an adjusted goodness of fit index of 0.82 and a root mean square error of approximation of 0.094. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS was closely correlated with attitudes and behaviour. Age was an important factor affecting HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. These findings suggest that increasing HIV/AIDS-related knowledge could improve the attitude and behaviour of migrant urban construction workers, enabling them to avoid high-risk behaviour that increases the spread of HIV/AIDS. Any intervention used will need to take the important factor of age into consideration.
Primary Intrapulmonary Thymomas: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gong L , Li Y-H , He X-L , Wang Q , Yao L , Zhu S-J , Han X-J , Wu T , Yuan J , Zhang W
Published: February 2013

Primary intrapulmonary thymomas (PIT), which are intrapulmonary tumours without an associated mediastinal component, are very rare; only 29 cases of PIT have been described in the literature since 1951. This report presents a case of PIT in a 59-year old Chinese woman with a type A thymoma (including its pathogenesis, clinical pathological characteristics, immunological phenotype, treatment and prognosis), in the context of a review of the current literature. The origin of thymomas in this unusual location remains unknown. In this case, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the epithelial component was strongly positive for cytokeratin and focally reactive for epithelial membrane antigen. It is concluded that PIT should be considered when the histopathological appearance of a lung tumour is not typical of other pulmonary neoplasms. Complete resection appears sufficient in non-malignant tumours, while in cases of partial resection or malignancy, adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered. Long-term regular clinical follow-up is also warranted, due to the risk of late local recurrence.
Key Performance Indicators in Intensive Care Medicine. A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Kastrup M , von Dossow V , Seeling M , Ahlborn R , Tamarkin A , Conroy P , Boemke W , Wernecke K-D , Spies C
Published: February 2013

Expert panel consensus was used to develop evidence-based process indicators that were independent risk factors for the main clinical outcome parameters of length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality. In a retrospective, matched data analysis of patients from five ICUs at a tertiary university hospital, agreed process indicators (sedation monitoring, pain monitoring, mean arterial pressure [MAP] ≥ 60 mmHg, tidal volume [TV] ≤ 6 ml/kg body weight, peak inspiratory pressure [PIP] ≤ 35 cmH2O and blood glucose [BG] ≥ 80 and ≤ 130 mg/dl) were validated using a prospective dataset of 4445 consecutive patients. After matching for age, sex and ICU, 634 patients were analysed. Logistic regression of the 634 patients showed that monitoring analgesia and sedation, MAP ≥ 60 mmHg and BG ≥ 80 mg/dl were relevant for survival. Linear regression of the 634 patients showed that analgesia monitoring, PIP ≤ 35 cmH2O and TV ≤ 6 ml/kg were associated with reduced length of ICU stay. Linear regression on all 4445 patients showed analgesia, sedation monitoring, MAP ≥ 60 mmHg, BG ≥ 80 mg/dl and ≤ 130 mg/dl, PIP ≤ 35 cmH2O and TV ≤ 6 ml/kg were associated with reduced length of ICU stay, indicating that adherence to evidence-based key process indicators may reduce mortality and length of ICU stay.
Patient Preference for Sustained-Release versus Standard Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): A Multicentre, Randomized, Open-Label, Two-Way Crossover Study in Subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Benson M , Marangou A , Russo MA , Durocher J , Collaku A , Starkey YY
Published: February 2013

Guidelines for osteoarthritis (OA) management recommend paracetamol (acetaminophen) as the most appropriate first-line analgesic for mild to moderate pain. Standard paracetamol requires four times daily dosing. Drug compliance and convenience are inversely related to daily dose frequency. Compliance is a pivotal component of the successful management of OA pain and is influenced by patient preferences or beliefs. The added convenience of three times daily dosing may enhance compliance and, therefore, pain relief. This multicentre, randomized, open-label, two-way crossover, phase IV study is the first to evaluate patient preference with a sustained-release paracetamol tablet formulation designed for three times daily dosing. Compared with standard paracetamol tablets dosed four times daily, the sustained-release formulation was preferred in a 2:1 ratio, provided better overall joint pain relief, resulted in higher levels of satisfaction in subjects with OA of the knee and has the potential to improve patient compliance and, therefore, pain control.
Inhibition of the Replication of Hepatitis B Virus In Vitro by Oxymatrine
Authors: Lin M , Yang LY , Li WY , Peng YP , Zheng JK
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the inhibitory capacity of oxymatrine on in vitro hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. HepG2.2.15 cells were treated with oxymatrine 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 or 1000 mg/l, or with human interferon-α2b (IFN-α2b 1000 U/l) as a positive control. Levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV-DNA in cell supernatants were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescent quantitative-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometric analysis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labelling were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of oxymatrine. The inhibitory effects of oxymatrine gradually increased as the concentration increased from 200 to 1000 mg/l for HBsAg and HBeAg, and from 200 to 400 mg/l for HBV-DNA. There was no inhibitory effect of oxymatrine at concentrations < 200 mg/l. No significant difference was seen between human IFN-α2b (positive control) and oxymatrine ≥ 200 mg/l. It is concluded that oxymatrine can inhibit in vitro HBV replication and antigen expression at concentrations ≥ 200 mg/l.
The Association of Dysglycaemia and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Gong W , Yang Z , Ye W , Du Y , Lu B , Wang M , Li Q , Zhang W , Pan Y , Feng X , Zhou W , Zhang Y , Wen J , Yang Z , Yang Y , Zhu X , Hu R
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease and glucose regulation status in Chinese patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). All patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (2-h post-load plasma glucose) to determine their glucose regulation status and had their brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measured. Of the 590 patients included in the study, 115 (19.5%) had normal glucose tolerance, 114 (19.3%) had impaired fasting glucose (IFG) alone, 38 (6.4%) had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) alone, 197 (33.4%) had diabetes mellitus and 126 (21.4%) had combined glucose intolerance (CGI; IFG plus IGT). Patients with diabetes mellitus had a significantly higher baPWV compared with all other groups and patients with CGI had a significantly higher baPWW compared with patients with IFG. Dysglycaemia was common in patients with MetS. An increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients with MetS was related to their glucose regulation status.
An Evaluation of the Diabetic Kidney Disease Definition in Chinese Patients Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lu B , Gong W , Yang Z , Yang Z , Yang Y , Wen J , Zhao N , Zhu X , Hu R
Published: February 2013

The concomitant presence of retinopathy may be helpful in discriminating kidney pathology in type 2 diabetes. This cross-sectional study evaluated the ability to predict the likelihood of patients having diabetic kidney disease (DKD) by comparing the percentage incidence of diabetic retinopathy in different subgroups of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes ( n = 668). The prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the patients was 63.3% (6.6% with DKD, 41.0% with possible DKD and 15.7% with non-diabetic renal disease [NDRD]). The percentage of patients with diabetic retinopathy in the DKD group (63.6%) was significantly higher than in the possible DKD group (24.9%) and the NDRD group (19.0%). DKD was independently associated with diabetic retinopathy based on logistic regression analysis. The likelihood of DKD occurrence as defined by the National Kidney Foundation–Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative™ of the USA is applicable to Chinese patients with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy was more prevalent in patients with DKD compared with patients with possible DKD or NDRD.
Rapid Recovery from Acute, Potentially Lethal Myocarditis
Authors: Eleftheriou AE , Stamatelopoulos SF
Published: February 2013

Two cases of acute myocarditis in young men, both with clinical and laboratory criteria indicating poor prognosis, were initially treated with conventional treatment (captopril plus metoprolol). The addition of intravenous immunoglobulin was followed by rapid clinical and laboratory recovery. This observation is considered to support previous but ambiguous evidence that autoimmune treatment may help recovery from acute myocarditis that has evidence of poor prognosis.
A Randomized Trial Comparing the Effect of Ramipril and Losartan in Survivors of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Marinsek M , Sinkovic A
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the effect of 8 weeks of treatment with ramipril or losartan on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma levels, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity, echocardiographic parameters and lipid profiles in patients after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Patients were randomly assigned to receive up to 10 mg/day ramipril ( n = 27) or up to 100 mg/day losartan ( n = 26). No significant differences in any of the tested variables were observed between the two treatment groups, either before or after treatment. Within the losartan-treated group a significant decrease in levels of NT-proBNP (211.1 ± 211.5 versus 94.7 ± 150.1 pg/ml), total cholesterol (5.7 ± 1.0 versus 4.6 ± 1.1 mmol/l), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (3.5 ± 0.9 versus 2.7 ± 1.0 mmol/l) was observed after treatment compared with baseline. Thus, after an acute MI, losartan seems equal to ramipril in terms of the NT-proBNP levels, echocardiographic parameters, PAI-1 activity and lipid profiles that were achieved.
Visfatin: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bao JP , Chen WP , Wu LD
Published: February 2013

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is usually a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder primarily targeting the synovium and articular cartilage. It is incurable, costly and responds poorly to treatment. Methotrexate alone or in combination with conventional and/or biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is often used to induce remission of active disease. The effectiveness of treatment is, however, limited and most patients develop chronic disability and require total knee arthroplasty or total hip replacement. Emerging therapies targeting specific cytokines and growth factors in the RA inflammatory cascade offer potent new means of modifying disease activity. Recently, increased concentrations of adipokines, including visfatin, mainly produced by adipocytes in serum and joint synovial fluid, were found in RA patients. Visfatin has important pro-inflammatory and catabolic roles in RA pathogenesis and is now being studied as a potential therapeutic target for RA. Here we discuss the relationship between visfatin and RA and its potential as a therapeutic target for RA.
Distribution of Common Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Mutations in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Authors: Bekci TT , Kocak N , Kesli R
Published: February 2013

Homocysteine levels have been investigated in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), a syndrome associated with a high level of comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD). While significant increases in homocysteine levels have been observed in OSAS patients with CVD, no increases have been noted in OSAS patients without CVD. This study was designed to investigate the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) gene, which is essential for homocysteine metabolism and has been shown to have a causal role in the development of CVD. Eighty subjects, 30 diagnosed with OSAS by polysomnography and 50 controls (healthy volunteers with no symptoms of OSAS) were enrolled. Two mutations in the MTHFR gene were investigated using polymerase chain reactions and restriction fragment length polymorphisms. No significant differences were found in mean age, body mass index, homocysteine levels, or MTHFR allele or genotype distributions between patient and control groups.
The Effectiveness of a Weak Opioid Medication versus a Cyclo-Oxygenase-2 (COX-2) Selective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug in Treating Flare-Up of Chronic Low-Back Pain: Results from Two Randomized, Double-Blind, 6-Week Studies
Authors: O'Donnell JB , Ekman EF , Spalding WM , Bhadra P , McCabe D , Berger MF
Published: February 2013

Two 6-week studies compared the analgesic efficacy, tolerability and safety of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (celecoxib 200 mg twice a day [bid]) and an opioid (tramadol HCl 50 mg four times a day [qid]) in subjects with chronic low-back pain (CLBP). Successful responders (primary endpoint) were defined as subjects completing 6 weeks of treatment and having ≥ 30% improvement on the Numerical Rating Scale for pain. A total of 796 and 802 subjects were randomized to treatment in study 1 and study 2, respectively. A significantly greater percentage of celecoxib-treated subjects were successful responders compared with tramadol HCl-treated subjects (study 1: 63.2% versus 49.9%, respectively; study 2: 64.1% versus 55.1%, respectively). Fewer adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were reported in the celecoxib-treated group. Overall, celecoxib 200 mg bid was more effective than tramadol HCl 50 mg qid in the treatment of CLBP, with fewer AEs reported.
Clinical Applications and Acute Hepatotoxicity of Intravenous Amiodarone
Authors: Huang X , Yang Y , Zhu J , Gao X , Wang G , Tan H , Liang Y , Li J
Published: February 2013

This cross-sectional, retrospective study was designed to evaluate the current clinical applications and acute hepatotoxicity of intravenous amiodarone administration at a hospital in China. Clinical data were collected from 1214 patients receiving intravenous amiodarone treatment between October 2003 and September 2005. Baseline patient characteristics, drug indications, administration records and acute hepatotoxicity associated with the drug were examined. Amiodarone was used primarily in arrhythmic patients with obvious cardiac dysfunction. Atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmia were the two most commonly treated dysfunctions. Incorrect indications and administration methods were also noted. Hepatotoxicity occurred in 12.6% of the patients, but was mild in most cases. Males showed a higher incidence of hepatotoxicity than females. The use of amiodarone was considered to be reasonable and standardized, but there was still considerable room for improvement, particularly in the standardization of administration guidelines. Intravenous amiodarone can cause hepatotoxicity and hepatic function tests should be performed soon after giving amiodarone intravenously.
Efficacy and Safety of Celecoxib in the Treatment of Acute Pain due to Ankle Sprain in a Latin American and Middle Eastern Population
Authors: Cardenas-Estrada E , Oliveira L G , Abad H L , Elayan F , Khalifa N , El-Husseini T
Published: February 2013

Ankle sprains are common acute soft-tissue injuries. This 7-day open-label, multicentre, randomized study compared the efficacy and safety of celecoxib with non-selective non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in treating acute ankle sprain with moderate-to-severe ankle pain in 278 patients. Patients received either celecoxib (400 mg loading dose followed by 200 mg twice daily) or standard doses of non-selective NSAIDs. The primary endpoint was a change in the patient's assessment of ankle pain on a 0 mm (no pain) −100 mm (worst possible pain) visual analogue scale (VAS) at day 3 compared with baseline. From a baseline of 73 mm, mean VAS pain scores decreased to 29 and 32 mm in the celecoxib and non-selective NSAID groups, respectively. The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval for the treatment difference with regard to change from baseline was greater than the pre-established non-inferiority margin of −10 mm. Using an initial loading dose, celecoxib was at least as efficacious as non-selective NSAIDs in treating acute pain due to ankle sprain.
Effect of 3 Months of Doxazosin Therapy on T-Cell Subsets in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Mácsai E , Cseh Á , Budai G , Mészáros G , Vásárhelyi B , Fischer K , Szabó A , Treszl A
Published: February 2013

Doxazosin, an α1-adrenergic receptor inhibitor, is commonly administered to patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and nephropathy. The impact of 3 months' doxazosin therapy on the prevalence of activated and regulatory T lymphocytes was analysed in this pilot study of men with type 2 diabetes ( n = 10) who received doxazosin 4 mg/day in addition to their ongoing therapy. The prevalence of CD4+, CD8+, CD25+ and CD69+ cells at baseline and after 3 months of add-on therapy was determined. The prevalence of regulatory T-cells was detected by two different approaches: forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) positivity; and the number of CD4+CD25+high cells. During 3 months of doxazosin therapy, patients' blood pressure, blood glucose control and lipid profiles all significantly improved. Simultaneously, the prevalence of activated T-cells (CD4+CD69+ and CD8+CD69+ cells) decreased, whereas that of regulatory T-cells increased. These results indicate an immunomodulatory action of doxazosin in type 2 diabetic patients.
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Expression and Prognosis in Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumours of the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Lu Z-J , Zhou S-H , Yan S-X , Yao H-T
Published: February 2013

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours (IMT) of the nasal cavity and nasal sinus are rare and, although over 50 cases have been reported in the English-language literature, their precise aetiology and biological behaviour have not been elucidated. Recent studies suggest that anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive tumours have a very low risk of metastasis, but ALK reactivity does not appear to correlate with recurrence. Between March 2002 and December 2008, we encountered three cases of maxillary sinus IMT and investigated them to determine the clinicopathological course, prognosis and immunohistochemical expression of ALK. Two of the patients died < 13 months after the initial diagnosis and the third had multiple recurrences. All three cases were immunohistochemically negative for ALK expression. IMT of the sino-nasal tract is rare and may undergo malignant transformation in a minority of cases. The three cases manifested progressive extension with bone destruction and multiple recurrences, and two cases had a fatal outcome and one case had high recurrence.
Expression of P-Glycoprotein and Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein is Associated with Multidrug Resistance in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Xu H-W , Xu L , Hao J-H , Qin C-Y , Liu H
Published: February 2013

This study evaluated the sensitivities of gastric cancer cells to various chemotherapy drugs, and investigated the relationship between the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and multidrug resistance. Drug sensitivities were determined using a methyltetrazolium assay: expression levels of P-gp and MRP were measured using immunohistochemistry. On purification culture, gastric cancer cells were found to be most sensitive to cisplatin, mitomycin and adriamycin, moderately sensitive to etoposide and 5-fluorouracil, and less sensitive to homocamptothecin and methotrexate, with sensitivities of 76.7%, 70.0%, 66.7%, 60.0%, 56.7%, 43.3% and 30.0%, respectively. Positive expression for P-gp and MRP in gastric cancer tissues was 41.7% and 29.2%, respectively;co-expression of P-gp and MRP in cancer tissue was 23%. The drug-resistant groups had higher positive expression of P-gp and MRP compared with the drug-sensitive groups. In conclusion, expression of P-gp and MRP seems to be associated with multidrug resistance in gastric cancer.