bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanoreceptors of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Katonis P , Papoutsidakis A , Aligizakis A , Tzanakakis G , Kontakis GM , Papagelopoulos PJ
Published: February 2013

The mechanical role of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in the passive and functional stability of the knee joint has been well documented. Both these knee joint ligaments contain Ruffini, Pacinian, Golgi and free nerve endings with different capabilities of providing the central nervous system with information regarding movement and position as well as chemical events. The posterior cruciate ligament provides 95% of the restraining force to a posterior tibial displacement, is significantly stronger than the other knee ligaments, and sensory nerve endings are located in the tibia and femoral bone insertions. This report aims to review the anatomy and physiology of the various mechanoreceptors of the posterior cruciate ligament, placing special emphasis on their role in knee joint stability. It concludes that the posterior crude ligament may not only serve as a ‘mechanical stabilizer’ of the knee joint, but also probably has an important ‘sensory function’ that should be taken into account when dealing with injuries to it.
Cost-effectiveness of Oral Clodronate Compared with Oral Ibandronate, Intravenous Zoledronate or Intravenous Pamidronate in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Paterson A , McCloskey E , Redzepovic J , Ott I , Gust R
Published: February 2013

This study aimed to identify the effects of different bisphosphonates in reducing skeletal-related events, and to determine whether there are any differences in their cost-effectiveness, taking into account their efficacy, safety profile and administration routes. A systematic literature search of databases, such as PubMed and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, supplemented by the latest congress abstracts from meetings of the European Hematology Association and the American Society of Clinical Oncology was conducted up to November 2006. Important references in reviews published by peer-reviewed journals were also taken into consideration. Our base-case cost-effectiveness analysis for Germany and the UK showed cost savings for oral clodronate therapy compared with other bisphosphonate therapies. In Germany, costs per patient of treatment with oral clodronate were €1092.38, €2360.40 and €2500.29 less than with oral ibandronate, intravenous pamidronate and intravenous zoledronate, respectively. The UK results were similar, the costs per patient of treatment with oral clodronate being €841.79, €2989.99 and €3669.19 less than with oral ibandronate, intravenous pamidronate and intravenous zoledronate, respectively.
Changes in the Expression of Endothelial-overexpressed Lipopolysaccharide-associated Factor 1 in Grafts during Acute Rejection following Liver Transplantation in Rats
Authors: Ran CF , Dou K , Liang Z , Liu Y , Li K
Published: February 2013

This study investigated changes in expression of endothelial-overexpressed lipopolysaccharide-associated factor 1 (EOLA1) in grafts following liver transplantation in rats. Thirty Lewis rats received liver transplants from Lewis rats (tolerance group); 30 received liver transplants from dark Agouti rats (acute rejection group). Changes in serum biochemical indexes (alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin), graft histology and EOLA1 expression were measured on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 post-operatively. Mean survival time was >100 days in the tolerance group and 16.2 ± 1.4 days in the acute rejection group. Pathological evidence of acute rejection in grafts was seen after day 5 in the acute rejection group. Serum biochemical indexes were significantly higher in the acute rejection group than in the tolerance group from day 5 post-operatively, whereas EOLA1 expression in the liver graft was significantly higher in the tolerance group than in the acute rejection group. EOLA1 expression seems to be negatively correlated with severity of rejection after liver transplantation.
Frequent Nocturnal Vocalization in Pure Autonomic Failure
Authors: Kashihara K , Ohno M , Kawada S , Imamura T
Published: February 2013

Nocturnal vocalization is frequent in Parkinson's disease patients with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD). We investigated the frequency of nocturnal vocalization and other sleep problems in patients with pure autonomic failure (PAF) and compared the results with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We interviewed consecutive patient–caregiver pairs with PAF ( n = 13), IPD ( n = 200) and DLB ( n = 19), and ischaemic stroke patients (controls, n = 43). Nocturnal vocalization was similarly frequent in PAF, IPD and DLB. Other dream enactments and vivid dreams also were more frequent in PAF, IPD and DLB compared with controls. Excessive night-time awakenings and daytime sleepiness were frequent in IPD but rare in PAF and controls. Clinical manifestation of sleep disturbances, at least of RBD-like symptoms including nocturnal vocalization and other dream enactments, may occur in PAF, as in IPD and DLB.
Effects of Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) on INSL3 mRNA Expression by Leydig Cells Derived from Mouse Embryos and in Newborn Mice
Authors: Song XF , Wei GH , Liu X , Zhang DY , Chen X , Deng YJ
Published: February 2013

Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) regulates testicular descent during fetal life, and Insl3 gene inactivation results in cryptorchidism. Little is known, however, about whether the plasticizer diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a contaminant found widely in the environment, influences INSL3 expression. In this study, primary cultures of Leydig cells from mouse embryos were treated in vitro with DEHP. We also treated pregnant mice with DEHP from gestation day 12 to postnatal day 3 in order to study the effect of DEHP in vivo. INSL3 mRNA expression levels in primary Leydig cell cultures and in the testes of newborn mice were significantly lower following DEHP treatment. DEHP also caused detrimental morphological changes in both primary cultures of Leydig cells and the testes of newborn mice. These results suggest that the downregulation of INSL3 mRNA by DEHP might cause abnormalities of gubernacular development, which might be one of the mechanisms for development of cryptorchidism.
Combination Pharmacological Cardioversion of Permanent Atrial Fibrillation in Post-prosthetic Mitral Valve Replacement Outpatients: A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Qian YJ , Xiao XJ , Yuan HS , Tang H , Shao HZ , Wei DM
Published: February 2013

This study explored the efficacy and safety of combination pharmacological cardioversion of permanent atrial fibrillation in outpatients following prosthetic mitral valve replacement. The study group comprised 99 outpatients who were randomly divided into two groups. In group 1 ( n = 50), only ventricular heart rate was controlled. In group 2 ( n = 49), combination pharmacological cardioversion therapy with low-dose oral amiodarone (2 mg/kg), captopril (0.25 mg/kg) and simvastatin (0.3 mg/kg) was administered daily. During 12 months of serial pharmacological treatment, the cardioversion rate was 6% for group 1 and 39% for group 2; the likelihood of cardioversion differed significantly between the two groups. In group 2, one patient developed severe pruritus that necessitated withdrawal from the study and six patients ceased captopril treatment after contracting a persistent cough. In summary, combination pharmacological cardioversion was found to be effective and safe in outpatients who had undergone prosthetic mitral valve replacement.
Insulin—Blood Cardioplegia Decreases Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in Ischaemia-reperfusion Injury during Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Catalyurek H , Oktay G , Guzeloglu M , Çavdar Z , Acikel U , Silistreli E , Hazan E
Published: February 2013

Reperfusion of myocardium during coronary bypass activates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with changes occurring in the levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the myocardium. This study investigated the effects of insulin-blood cardioplegia on MMP activity and TIMP levels during reperfusion. Non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft with cardiopulmonary bypass were randomized into a control group ( n = 12) or an insulin group ( n = 12). Blood cardioplegia was used for both groups; insulin and glucose were added to the insulin group. Blood samples were obtained from the coronary sinus just before aortic cross clamping and after 1 and 30 min of reperfusion. Plasma proenzyme MMPs (proMMP-2 and −9) and TIMPs (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) levels were measured. There were no differences between groups for MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels. However, insulin diminished proMMP-9 activation, although some still occurred. TIMP-1 consumption lessened during reperfusion which, we conclude, was as a result of the diminished MMP activation. This is the first open heart surgery study in which diminished MMP activation was achieved via a metabolic change.
Correlations of Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire Results in Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis: Effects of a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Ichimaru Y , Kanazawa H , Kamoi H , Kyoh S , Tochino Y , Kodama T , Hirata K
Published: February 2013

Bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis frequently coexist. This study investigated correlations of health-related quality of life (QOL) questionnaires for these diseases, assessing whether the selective leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA), pranlukast, had additional benefits to overall asthma control when there was concomitant allergic rhinitis. Patients with asthma-associated allergic rhinitis were randomly allocated to either LTRA(+) ( n = 21, treated for 3 months with pranlukast), or LTRA(−) ( n = 8, no prankulast). At study start and at 3 months, pulmonary function was evaluated and QOL assessments were made using the Asthma Health Questionnaire-Japan (AHQ-Japan) and the Japan Rhino-conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (JRQLQ). Total scores were significantly correlated both before and after therapy. After 3 months' therapy, pulmonary function and total AHQ-Japan and JRQLQ scores significantly improved in the LTRA(+) group, but not in the LTRA(−) group. A significant correlation between change at 3 months in the AHQ-Japan and JRQLQ scores from baseline values was seen in the LTRA(+) group. LTRA therapy improved allergic rhinitis symptoms, asthma symptoms and pulmonary function.
Comparison of Soybean Oil- and Olive Oil-based Lipid Emulsions on Hepatobiliary Function and Serum Triacylglycerols Level during Realimentation
Authors: Pálová S , Charvat J , Kvapil M
Published: February 2013

This study compared the effects of soybean oil- versus olive oil-based lipid emulsions on hepatobiliary function and serum triacylglycerols in patients who required transient parenteral nutrition support for significant weight loss. Patients who received a parenteral ready-to-use industry admixture including either soybean oil- ( n = 10) or olive oil-based lipid emulsion ( n = 11) for 2 weeks were retrospectively analysed. Cholestatic and cytolytic enzymes, conjugated bilirubin and serum triacylglycerols were sampled before and 1 day after completing parenteral nutrition support. Significant deterioration of cholestatic enzymes occurred in five patients in the soybean oil group and in one in the olive oil group. Serum triacylglycerols significantly deteriorated in seven patients in the soybean oil group and in one patient in the olive oil group. No differences were recorded for cytolytic enzyme abnormalities. In conclusion, the olive oil-based emulsion induced abnormalities of cholestatic enzymes and serum triacylglycerols significantly less frequently than the soybean oil-based emulsion.
Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome after Living-donor Liver Transplantation: Is Small-for-size Graft a Potential Risk Factor?
Authors: Luo Y , Zhang A , Huang H , Zheng S
Published: February 2013

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a rare complication of solid organ transplantation. Immunosuppressive drugs, including cyclosporin A and tacrolimus, have frequently been incriminated. Here we report a case of tacrolimus-induced HUS in a woman with small-for-size syndrome after living-donor liver transplantation. Hypertension, microangiopathic anaemia and end-stage renal failure occurred in the immediate post-transplant period; all other risk factors that might be implicated in the development of HUS were investigated and excluded if no evidence was found. A possible association between small-for-size syndrome, which frequently results in a high blood concentration of tacrolimus post-operatively, and the occurrence of HUS is discussed.
A Novel Adipocytokine, Visceral Adipose Tissue-derived Serine Protease Inhibitor (Vaspin), and Obesity
Authors: Li Q , Chen R , Moriya J , Yamakawa J , Sumino H , Kanda T , Takahashi T
Published: February 2013

Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) is an interesting novel adipocytokine with insulin-sensitizing effects. Some studies have suggested that vaspin could play an important role in the development of obesity and metabolic disorders. The induction of vaspin mRNA expression could represent a compensatory mechanism associated with obesity, severe insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, however it is unclear whether a correlation exists between human vaspin serum levels and markers of insulin sensitivity and glucose or lipid metabolism. Vaspin serum concentrations have been shown to be lower in lean subjects and competitive sportsmen with long-term physical training, but they are increased with weight loss associated with a physical training programme. In conclusion, there is at present no clear proof of a causal link between vaspin and visceral fat accumulation, or insulin resistance. This article reviews the role of vaspin in obesity-associated diseases and its potential as a new biomarker for obesity and impaired insulin sensitivity.
The Relationship between Over-expression of Glial Cell-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Its RET Receptor with Progression and Prognosis of Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zeng Q , Cheng Y , Zhu Q , Yu Z , Wu X , Huang K , Zhou M , Han S , Zhang Q
Published: February 2013

We used immunohistochemical staining to assess protein over-expression of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its RET receptor tyrosine kinase in patients with pancreatic cancer and benign pancreatic neoplasm, and assessed correlations with clinicopathological features and prognosis. Surgically resected pancreatic cancer patients (40/58, 68.9%) showed positive GDNF immunostaining, a significantly higher frequency than in patients with benign pancreatic tumour (3/11, 27.3%). Intrapancreatic neural invasion by cancer cells was significantly related to over-expression of GDNF. Strongly positive expression of GDNF was significantly more frequent than lesser grades of expression in patients with severe back pain before and 12 months after surgery. Expression of RET was significantly related to lymphatic invasion, survival rate after tumour resection and degree of tumour cell differentiation. We conclude that GDNF may be important in pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis, especially in patients with perineural invasion. Strongly positive expression of GDNF may be an indication for early intensified radiotherapy. RET expression in pancreatic cancer tissues may be a useful prognostic marker.
In Vitro Hepatic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Fetal Bone Marrow
Authors: Wei X , Wang CY , Liu QP , Li J , Li D , Zhao FT , Lian JQ , Xie YM , Wang PZ , Bai XF , Jia ZS
Published: February 2013

We examined whether human fetal mesenchymal stem cells (FMSCs) derived from fetal bone marrow were able to differentiate into functional hepatocyte-like cells in vitro The surface phenotype of FMSCs was characterized by flow cytometry. To induce hepatic differentiation of FMSCs, we added hepatocyte growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and oncostatin M into the cell culture medium. After 21 days of hepatocyte induction, FMSCs expressed the hepatocyte-specific markers, α-fetoprotein and cytokeratin 18, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining. Differentiated FMSCs also demonstrated in vitro functions characteristic of liver cells, including albumin production, urea secretion and glycogen storage. In conclusion, fetal bone marrow-derived FMSCs are able to differentiate into functional hepatocyte-like cells and may serve as a source of cells for liver disease therapy.
Impact of Combined C1 Esterase Inhibitor/Coagulation Factor XIII or N-Acetylcysteine/Tirilazad Mesylate Administration on Leucocyte Adherence and Cytokine Release in Experimental Endotoxaemia
Authors: Birnbaum J , Klotz E , Spies CD , Mueller J , Hein O Vargas , Feller J , Lehmann C
Published: February 2013

We determined the effects of combinations of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) with factor XIII and of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) with tirilazad mesylate (TM) during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxaemia in rats. Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: the control (CON) group received no LPS; the LPS, C1-INH + factor XIII and NAC + TM groups received endotoxin infusions (5 mg/kg per h). After 30 min of endotoxaemia, 100 U/kg C1-INH + 50 U/kg factor XIII was administered to the C1-INH + factor XIII group, and 150 mg/kg NAC + 10 mg/kg TM was administered in the NAC + TM group. Administration of C1-INH + factor XIII and NAC + TM both resulted in reduced leucocyte adherence and reduced levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The LPS-induced increase in IL-6 levels was amplified by both drug combinations. There was no significant effect on mesenteric plasma extravasation. In conclusion, the administration of C1-INH + factor XIII and NAC + TM reduced endothelial leucocyte adherence and IL-1β plasma levels, but increased IL-6 levels.
Effect of Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Health-related Quality of Life in Sleep Apnoea Patients Treated in the Routine Clinical Setting of a University Hospital
Authors: Lojander J , Räsänen P , Sintonen H , Roine RP ,   HUS QoL Study Group*
Published: February 2013

The effectiveness and cost-utility of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment was evaluated in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), using a 15D health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument in a routine clinical setting. In total, 78 OSAS patients (43 receiving nCPAP; 35 receiving lifestyle guidance) were included in the study. nCPAP treatment had a minor effect on the total HRQoL score; only the dimension of sleep improved in both groups. The mean ± SD number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained was 0.016 ± 2.34 in the nCPAP group and 0.386 ± 1.16 in the lifestyle guidance group. The mean cost per QALY gained was €73 375 for the nCPAP group and €845 for the lifestyle guidance group. The effect of nCPAP treatment on the HRQoL in a population of unselected OSAS patients was surprisingly small and the cost per QALY gained was high.
Effects of Cilostazol on Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) Expression Changes in the Myocardium of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ma J , Zheng M , Shen Y , Wang L , Wang L , Zhu Y , Zhang X
Published: February 2013

Myocardial protective effects of the phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, cilostazol, in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Four weeks after induction of diabetes, we measured thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) expression in the left ventricular myocardium. Microstructural and ultrastructural changes were also analysed. Four weeks after the induction of diabetes there were significant differences in body weight and blood glucose between the control, diabetic and cilostazol-treated diabetic animals. TSP-1 expression was significantly increased in the myocardium of diabetic rats compared with the control group. Although significantly higher than the control group, TSP-1 expression was significantly lower in the cilostazol group compared with the diabetes group. There were obvious ultrastructural changes in the myocardium of diabetic rats, which were rarely seen in cilostazol-treated diabetic rats. In conclusion, this study provides experimental evidence that cilostazol treatment of diabetic rats effectively prevents pathological myocardial alterations, possibly via the down-regulation of TSP-1 expression.
Construction of Tissue-engineered Cartilage with BMP7 Gene-transfected Chondrocytes
Authors: Qu FJ , Liu Y , Zhu DL
Published: February 2013

In this study, the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP7) was investigated in tissue-engineered cartilage constructed using chondrocytes transfected with the BMP7 gene and that constructed using non-transfected chondrocytes after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The volume of the BMP7 gene-transfected tissue-engineered cartilage culture after 5–7 days was 9 × 9 × 2 mm, while that of the non-transfected tissue-engineered cartilage culture was 8 × 8 × 2 mm. Histomorphological analysis showed that both cultures comprised cartilaginous tissue. Both BMP7 mRNA and BMP7 protein were expressed in BMP7 gene-transfected cartilage culture grown in vitro for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. The chondrocytes in the BMP7 gene-transfected cartilage culture were active, with increased mitochondria, Golgi bodies and rough endoplasmic reticulum compared with non-transfected cartilage. These results provide an ideal foundation for the study of BMP7 gene-transfected tissue-engineered cartilage transplantation in the repair of cartilaginous defects.
Primary Hepatic Carcinoid Tumours: Clinical Features with an Emphasis on Carcinoid Syndrome and Recurrence
Authors: Zhang A , Xiang J , Zhang M , Zheng S
Published: February 2013

This study sought to determine the clinical profiles and optimal management of primary hepatic carcinoid tumours. The clinical features of nine Chinese patients and 64 patients reported in the English-language literature were characterized. Recurrence rate and survival analysis were performed with the Kaplan–Meier method. The impact of surgical resection and post-operative recurrence on survival was determined by means of the log-rank test. Carcinoid syndrome complicated 10 cases (14%). Sixty-two patients (85%) underwent surgical resection. Actuarial 5-and 10-year survival rates for resected patients were 80% and 75%, respectively. Twelve patients experienced recurrences: the recurrence rate at 5 years post-operatively was 26%. All patients with resectable recurrent disease achieved good long-term survival and no significant relationship was found between recurrence and survival. Owing to the high incidence of recurrence, long-term follow-up is necessary and it is recommended that recurrent cases should be managed with judicious surgical resection.
Acute Thyroid Abscess Secondary to Oesophageal Perforation
Authors: Lin Z-H , Teng Y-S , Lin M
Published: February 2013

Acute thyroid abscess is rare, however this report describes the case of a 71-year-old male with an acute thyroid abscess resulting from oesophageal perforation who was successfully treated with antibiotic (cefotaxime sodium), neck exploration and a right subtotal thyroidectomy. The patient reported ingesting a fish bone and, although this had been dislodged, he experienced continuing pharyngalgia and fever. An anterior neck swelling with tenderness and erythema was noted at the level of the right thyroid. At operation, the recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified and preserved, and a large part of the right thyroid was excised. During the 5-year follow-up period, deglutition function and thyroid function tests remained normal. This result indicates that early administration of antibiotic, and surgical treatment of the infection source and affected thyroid tissue are critical for a successful outcome and the prevention of severe complications.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Oesophageal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis and Experience from the Shanghai Cancer Hospital
Authors: Zhang J , Chen H-Q , Zhang Y-W , Xiang J-Q
Published: February 2013

Whether adjuvant chemotherapy increases survival of oesophageal cancer patients has been widely debated. The present study used meta-analysis software to combine data from six studies up to July 2007 that were found and selected as suitable, comprising a total of 1001 oesophageal cancer patients. The results indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy did not significantly improve outcome in oesophageal cancer patients. A trend towards improved outcome from adjuvant chemotherapy was found in lymph node-positive patients, but did not reach significance. In our own study including 270 oesophageal cancer patients, adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve overall patient survival, but did improve survival for patients with metastases in cervical and/or celiac lymph nodes (stage IVa). Although our study had the largest patient sample, more prospective clinical trials with large numbers of patients are necessary to confirm the value of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage IVa patients.
Brain Tumour Stem Cells and Neural Stem Cells: Still Explored by the Same Approach?
Authors: Liu W , Shen G , Shi Z , Shen F , Zheng X , Wen L , Yang X
Published: February 2013

Brain tumour stem cells (BTSCs) are chiefly responsible for the in vivo long-term growth and recurrence of malignant gliomas and may be a potential treatment target. They resemble neural stem cells (NSCs), so their self-renewal and differentiation are currently investigated by the same methods used to study NSCs. There are, however, essential differences between these cell types: in many cases the marker expression pattern of BTSCs does not match the CD133+/NSE−/FAP− pattern of NSCs; BTSC tumourigenicity is independent of marker expression; and while attachment, serum-containing medium and withdrawal of mitogens (epidermal growth factor [EGF] and basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF]) are essential to induce NSCs to differentiate, they do not affect BTSC tumourigenicity. Evidence implies that research on the renewal and differentiation of BTSCs should be orientated towards tumourigenicity and is essentially a pharmaceutical problem. Such an approach may contribute to the development of an accurate definition of BTSCs and to the search for selective differentiation-inducing drugs for BTSCs.
Tramadol as a Local Anaesthetic in Tendon Repair Surgery of the Hand
Authors: Kargi E , Babuccu O , Altunkaya H , Hosnuter M , Ozer Y , Babuccu B , Payasli C
Published: February 2013

This double-blind pilot study compared the local anaesthetic effects of tramadol plus adrenaline with lidocaine plus adrenaline during surgery to repair hand tendons. Twenty patients were randomly allocated to receive either 5% tramadol plus adrenaline ( n = 10) or 2% lidocaine plus adrenaline ( n = 10). Injection site pain and local skin reactions were recorded. At 1-min intervals after injection of the anaesthetic agent, the degree of sensory blockade was assessed by the patient reporting the extent to which they felt a pinprick, light touch and a cold sensation. Pain felt during surgical incision was also recorded. There was no difference in the quality of sensory blockade or the incidence of side effects between the two groups. Only patients treated with tramadol did not require additional post-operative analgesia. A combination of tramadol plus adrenaline provided a local anaesthetic effect similar to that of lidocaine plus adrenaline.
Deterministic Dynamics in Neuronal Discharge from Pallidotomy Targets
Authors: Li W , Jia D , Wang J-L , Liang Q , Jian Z , Wang X-L , He S , Gao G
Published: February 2013

The non-linear dynamic specificity of the firing pattern discharged from neurons of the internal globus pallidus (GPi) was investigated by recording their spontaneous firing using a microelectrode during posteroventral pallidotomy in eight patients with Parkinson's disease. Raw data from the cells were processed to extract spiking events (discharges above a selected threshold) and the interspike interval was measured. Using the unstable periodic orbits extraction method, significant period-1, −2 and −3 orbits were identified in burst firing discharged from the GPi cells in all eight patients, suggesting that deterministic dynamics exist in the timing of the discharges. As well as providing a useful peri-operative technique for locating posteroventral pallidotomy targets in Parkinson's disease, this method also provides a promising basis for investigating characteristic neuronal discharges in other regions of the brain and for various other neurological disorders.
Expression of c-kit Protein and Mutational Status of the c-kit Gene in Osteosarcoma and Their Clinicopathological Significance
Authors: Wei H , Zhao MQ , Dong W , Yang Y , Li JS
Published: February 2013

We examined c-kit protein expression and mutations of the c-kit gene in 40 human osteosarcoma samples to their relationship with clinicopathology and prognosis of the disease. The expression of c-kit protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and single-strand conformational polymorphism was performed to evaluate c-kit gene mutations in exons 11 and 17. Expression of c-kit protein occurred in 25 (62.5%) osteosarcoma samples. Patients with osteosarcomas with higher c-kit protein expression levels were significantly more likely to experience local disease recurrence and had a significantly lower survival time than patients with lower c-kit expression. We found no evidence of mutations in exons 11 or 17. This study suggests that c-kit protein expression might serve as a prognostic marker for osteosarcoma, however exons 11 and 17 might not be suitable targets for osteosarcoma treatments based on suppression of c-kit tyrosine kinase activity.
Efficacy of a High-Dose Aprotinin Regimen for Reducing Transfusion Requirements and Inflammatory Responses in Adult Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Jeong DS , Kim K-H , Kim CY , Kim JS
Published: February 2013

This study evaluated and compared the risks and effects to the inflammatory response of low- and high-dose aprotinin regimens. Between January and June 2006, patients scheduled for cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled and randomly allocated to either low- ( n = 15) or high-dose ( n = 13) aprotinin groups. The incidences of mortality and adverse events were comparable in both groups. Post-operative creatinine levels and blood loss were not significantly different between the two groups. With the exception of platelets, the counts of transfused allogenic blood products were not significantly different between the groups. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, soluble tumour necrosis factor II receptor, and interferon-γ levels increased in both groups compared with baseline, but no significant intergroup differences were detected. In conclusion, high- and low-dose aprotinin had similar effects in the reduction of mediastinal bleeding and attenuation of systemic inflammatory responses, and high-dose aprotinin therapy could be used without any increased adverse effects.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Gene Delivery System to Create Biological Pacemaker Cells in vitro
Authors: Yang X-J , Zhou Y-F , Li H-X , Han L-H , Jiang W-P
Published: February 2013

Pacemaker cells differ from common cardiomyocytes due to the presence of a spontaneous depolarization process during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle. This is due to hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated ( HCN) channels, which are responsible for providing an inward current. Genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were transfected with hHCN4 genes using lentiviral transfection, and their potential use as biological pacemaker cells was investigated. In addition to expressing an anticipated high level of the hHCN4 gene, MSCs transfected with hHCN4 genes also expressed characteristic hHCN4 protein, a cardiac pacemaker-like current and were capable of increasing the spontaneous beating rate of co-cultured cardiac myocytes. Control MSCs did not exert these effects. It is hypothesized that genetically engineered MSCs transfected with hHCN4 genes by lentiviral transfection can be modified to be cardiac pacemaker cells in vitro.
The Role of Inflammation in Atrial Fibrillation following Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Canbaz S , Erbas H , Huseyin S , Duran E
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the role of systemic inflammation in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). CABG was performed using cardiopulmonary bypass in 77 patients. Pre-operative AF was present in six patients (7.8%) and post-operative AF developed in 13 (18.3%) of the 71 patients with pre-operative sinus rhythm. Post-operative mediastinal drainage was significantly increased in patients with post-operative AF compared with those with sinus rhythm. Plasma E-selectin, P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule levels were not significantly different between patients with pre- and post-operative sinus rhythm, those with pre-operative sinus rhythm and post-operative AF, and those with pre- and post-operative AF. There were significant differences between pre-and post-operative C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 levels within all three groups, but no differences in these parameters between the groups. Thus, in all groups there were significant alterations in mediators indicative of systemic inflammation following CABG, but comparisons between the groups revealed no differences predictive of AF.
Comparison of Sagittal and Frontal Plane Alignment after Open- and Closed-Wedge Osteotomy: A Matched-Pair Analysis
Authors: Schaefer TK , Majewski M , Hirschmann MT , Friederich NF
Published: February 2013

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a procedure for treating medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) of the varus deformed knee. Frontal and sagittal alignment after closed- and open-wedge HTO were compared radiologically in a matched-pair study. The mean intra-operative frontal plane correction (FT axis) was +7.5° for closed-wedge HTO and +8° for open-wedge HTO; it increased by +0.5° in closed-wedge HTO and decreased by −0.5° in open-wedge HTO at last follow-up. Post-operatively, tibial slope had decreased by −0.5° in closed-wedge HTO and increased significantly by +3° in open-wedge HTO. Both techniques effectively and safely corrected varus deformity. A high degree of stability of the frontal plane correction was noted, however a significant change in the tibial slope after open-wedge HTO was observed post-operatively. As no loss of correction was shown, it may be related to the surgical technique rather than to the implant used.
Use of Tunnelled Catheters in Haematological Malignancy Patients with Neutropenia
Authors: Sariosmanoglu N , Uğurlu B , Turgut NH , Demirkan F , Ozsan H , Ergor G , Gulay Z , Hazan E , Oto O
Published: February 2013

This prospective study analysed 83 patients (age 45 ± 17 years) with haematological neoplasms, implanted with 93 tunnelled catheters, who were neutropenic or developed neutropenia during treatment. Catheters were implanted in the right ( n = 82) or left ( n = 11) jugular vein by the same surgical team using the same technique. They remained in place for 124 ± 88 days: 29% were removed due to infection; 18% due to treatment termination and 2% due to mechanical problems. Seventeen patients died with catheters in place. At 30, 60, 90, 120 and 200 days mean catheter duration rates were 82%, 75%, 65%, 60% and 35%, respectively, and freedom from catheter removal due to infection was 92%, 88%, 80%, 77% and 67%, respectively. Patient diagnosis and history of previous catheter infection did not increase catheter infection risk, but patients undergoing stem cell transplantation had an increased infection risk. Tunnelled catheters can be used in high-risk patients with neutropenia. Systemic infections can be managed in most patients without catheter removal.
The Views of Doctors on Registration Trials in a Japanese Rural Area: A Survey of Medical Institutions Registered to the Tokushima Network for Clinical Trials
Authors: Yanagawa H , Irahara M , Kawashima S , Kagawa S ,   the Tokushima Network for Clinical Trials
Published: February 2013

Tokushima University Hospital has established the Tokushima Network for Clinical Trials (TNCT) to promote clinical trials in the area in collaboration with the Tokushima Medical Association. The present study investigated the views of doctors towards registration trials in the TNCT. A questionnaire was provided to 49 clinics/hospitals registered to the TNCT in 2006 and 38 (78%) responded. It revealed that 48% of doctors were aware of registration trials and 87% were favourable towards participating as investigators in them. They considered close contact with developmental drugs, advancement of therapy and the opportunity to learn about state-of-the-art treatment as benefits of participation. The main areas of difficulty included management of adverse reactions and patients' refusal to take part. Many doctors wanted more opportunity to learn about trial-related issues such as regulations. The survey indicates that the TNCT needs to develop the infrastructure and enlighten participants to promote registration trials in this rural regional area.
Palatine Tonsil Schwannoma: Correlation between Clinicopathology and Computed Tomography Features
Authors: Ruan Ling-Xiang , Zhou Shui-Hong , Wang Shen-Qing
Published: February 2013

We describe the case of a 37-year old male who presented with a schwannoma in his right palatine tonsil. The tumour and tonsil were surgically removed transorally. Tonsillar schwannomas are slow growing, and the main symptoms were a foreign body feeling in the throat, dysphagia and snoring. The presence of a round, well-defined mass lesion with heterogeneous density on computed tomography (CT) may aid in differentiation from other tonsillar tumours. The CT findings in the reported case were different to those of schwannomas in other locations; the particular CT manifestations of tonsillar schwannomas seem to relate to the various pathological changes seen within the tumour.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Huskisson EC
Published: February 2013

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, chronic disease that most frequently affects the knees and is a major cause of disability in the elderly. It is characterized by progressive cartilage loss, accompanied by secondary changes such as osteophyte formation and calcium deposition. Inflammatory processes are also involved, leading to stiffness and pain, for which patients seek treatment. Conventional treatment includes analgesics or non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, however life-style changes should also be recommended, such as weight reduction and specific exercises. Glucosamine and chondroitin, classed as over-the-counter supplements or nutraceuticals, are regularly self-administered by patients with OA. Both agents are produced endogenously in the human body and are essential components of cartilage. This review discusses the evidence that supports the use of these agents either alone or in combination for pain relief and as disease-modifying agents in OA.
Expression of Ubiquitin in Peripheral Inflammatory Cells from Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Chen S-M , Zhang H-X , Li Y-G , Wang D-M , Zhang G-H , Tan C-J
Published: February 2013

In addition to its role in the removal of damaged and unneeded proteins, the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) may play a key role in coronary artery disease (CAD). To investigate the expression of ubiquitin in monocytes and lymphocytes isolated from patients at different stages of CAD, 120 patients with CAD (40 with acute myocardial infarction [AMI], 40 with unstable angina pectoris [UAP] and 40 with stable angina pectoris [SAP]) were selected; 40 patients with normal coronary arteries served as controls. At both the mRNA and protein levels, ubiquitin expression was higher in patients with CAD than in controls, and patients with AMI had a much higher expression of ubiquitin (at both the mRNA and protein levels) than those with SAP and UAP. These data indicate that ubiquitin expression increased with increasing severity of CAD, suggesting that ubiquitin may play a critical role in the development and progression of CAD.
Decline in Pneumonia and Acute Otitis Media after the Introduction of Childhood Pneumococcal Vaccination in Liguria, Italy
Authors: Ansaldi F , Sticchi L , Durando P , Carloni R , Oreste P , Vercelli M , Crovari P , Icardi G
Published: February 2013

The effect of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine immunization programme on pneumococcal-associated or potentially pneumococcal-associated hospital admissions in the Italian region of Liguria was assessed. Hospital admission rates were compared in subjects belonging to birth cohorts before and after the introduction of widespread immunization for 0 − 2-year old children with a seven-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV7). Significant reductions in hospitalization rates for all-cause and pneumococcal pneumonia and for acute otitis media were observed in subjects born after widespread uptake of the vaccine. The preventive fraction (a measure of vaccine effectiveness) ranged from 15.2% for all-cause pneumonia to 70.5% for pneumococcal pneumonia. This study contributes to the growing body of information that supports the beneficial effect of PCV7 vaccination.
Assessment of Self-Reported and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Brain Tumours using a Modified Questionnaire
Authors: Miao Y , Qiu Y , Lin Y , Lu X
Published: February 2013

Assessment of quality of life (QoL) in patients who undergo surgery for brain tumours helps to guide surgery reduce recurrence and minimize morbidity. This study validated a 25-item, modified QoL questionnaire based on the Medical Outcomes Survey SF-36 and the Karnofsky Performance Scale. The aims were for it to be brain tumour specific for Chinese patients, hence more sensitive, more acceptable, briefer and more easily used. A total of 431 patients with brain tumours were compared with 96 age-matched healthy controls. A surgery-related QoL curve was used to help identify a threshold satisfaction point for QoL. Physiological function, psychological function, satisfaction with medical care and self-care ability of the patients were compared pre-operatively and post-operatively. Cronbach's α-coefficient was 0.9521 and the correlation coefficient was 0.8685, suggesting good reliability and repeatability. With the exception of psychological function, which deteriorated, the modified QoL showed significant improvement in physiological function, satisfaction with medical care and self-care ability, and serves to stress the importance of post-operative psychological support.
Randomized, Multicentre, Comparative Clinical Evaluation of Cefuroxime–Sulbactam versus Amoxicillin–Clavulanic Acid Therapy in the Treatment of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Pareek A , Pednekar S , Prasad HB , Salagre S , Chandurkar N
Published: February 2013

This randomized, multicentre, comparative study evaluated the efficacy and safety of treatment with cefuroxime–sulbactam compared with amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (co-amoxiclav) in patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). The study enrolled 75 adult inpatients with moderate to severe LRTIs. Patients were treated intravenously for 7 − 10 days. The treatment groups were comparable at baseline with respect to demographic and disease characteristics. Efficacy was evaluated in 72 patients. The clinical success rate was statistically superior in patients treated with cefuroxime–sulbactam (100%) compared with patients treated with amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (88%). The bacteriological success rate was 95% and 100% for cefuroxime–sulbactam and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, respectively, with no significant difference between treatments. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated. One patient in the cefuroxime–sulbactam group reported convulsions, which the investigator considered were probably not related to the study medication. Cefuroxime–sulbactam can be an effective alternative empirical treatment for LRTIs.
Imaging the Effects of Propofol on Human Cerebral Glucose Metabolism Using Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Sun X , Zhang H , Gao C , Zhang G , Xu L , Lv M , Chai W
Published: February 2013

The effects of propofol on glucose metabolism in different cerebral regions were observed, using positron emission tomography (PET) technology, to determine a possible cerebral target region. Seven healthy volunteers were injected with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose developing agent for PET scanning whilst awake (control group T1), during sedation (induced by 1.5 μg/ml propofol administered by target controlled injection [TCI], group T2) and when unconsciousness (induced by 2.5 μg/ml propofol administered by TCI, group T3). Whole brain glucose metabolism was reduced during propofol anaesthesia; this was initially observed in the cortical areas at the lower dose of propofol (group T2) but extended to the subcortical regions, especially the thalamus and hippocampus, at the higher dose (group T3). This suggests that these regions of the brain might be important targets that are susceptible to propofol.
Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I Mediates Cell Entry of Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Jia ZS , Du DW , Lei YF , Wei X , Yin W , Ma L , Lian JQ , Wang PZ , Li D , Zhou YX
Published: February 2013

This study assessed the functional role of human scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) as a putative hepatitis C virus (HCV) receptor using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with human SR-BI (CHO–huSR-BI). The expression of SR-BI by primary Tupaia hepatocytes (PTHs), human hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2) cells, untransfected CHO cells and CHO–huSR-BI cells was analysed by Western blotting. Receptor competition assays showed that anti-SR-BI antibodies that block the binding of soluble envelope glycoprotein E2 could prevent HCV infection. Pre-incubation of CHO–huSR-BI and HepG2 cells with anti-SR-BI antibodies resulted in marked inhibition of E2 binding. After incubation with HCV RNA-positive serum from a patient with chronic HCV infection, however, HCV infection could not be detected in CHO–huSR-BI cells, but was detected in PTHs. These results demonstrate that, whilst SR-BI represents an important cell surface molecule for HCV infection, the presence of SR-BI alone is insufficient for HCV entry.
Effects of Origanum onites on Endothelial Function and Serum Biochemical Markers in Hyperlipidaemic Patients
Authors: Özdemir B , Ekbul A , Topal NB , Sarandöl E , Sağ S , Başer KHC , Cordan J , Güllülü S , Tuncel E , Baran İ , Aydinlar A
Published: February 2013

The effects of Origanum onites on endothelial function and antioxidative status were investigated in 48 patients with mild hyperlipidaemia who required no drug therapy. All participants were given lifestyle and low-fat dietary advice, however 32 of the patients (study group) were also prescribed 25 ml of aqueous distillate of Origanum onites to be taken after each meal for 3 months. The remaining 16 patients were the control group. Various biochemical markers and endothelial function parameters were measured at baseline and after 3 months. A significantly greater increase in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and significantly greater decreases in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipo-protein B, lipoprotein(a) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein occurred in the study group compared with the control group over the 3-month study period. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, and flow- and nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery showed significantly greater increases in the study group compared with the changes in the control group. In conclusion, consumption of Origanum onites distillate had beneficial effects on lipid profiles, antioxidant status and endothelial function in patients with mild hyperlipidaemia.