bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Risk Factors in Predicting Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Left Bundle Branch Block
Authors: Keles T , Durmaz T , Bektasoglu G , Turgut O , Manduz S , Sezer H , Tandogan I
Published: February 2013

This retrospective study examined whether classical risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) could also be used to predict CAD in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). Clinical and demographic features were studied in patients with/without CAD who presented with LBBB on their surface electrocardiograms and had undergone coronary angiography. Of the 312 patients with LBBB, 161 (51.6%) had CAD. Patients with CAD were more likely to be older, male, have CAD risk factors and to be taking acetylsalicylic acid or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. A model with six independent variables (family history, smoking, angina, advanced age, hypertension and total cholesterol levels) was statistically significant in predicting CAD in patients with LBBB, with an ability to predict patients with and without CAD of 87.1% and 90.6%, respectively. Predictors of CAD in patients with LBBB are consistent with classical risk factors and may help the accurate prediction of patients with CAD.
Evaluation of Lymphocyte Subgroups in Children with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
Authors: Yilmaz C , Yuca SA , Yilmaz N , Öner AF , Çaksen H
Published: February 2013

The aetiology of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) remains to be fully elucidated, although it follows infection with a hypermutant defective M-protein measles virus. This study analysed peripheral blood lymphocyte subgroups to determine their role in the pathophysiology of SSPE. It included 22 children with SSPE aged 2-15 years (patient group) and 22 age- and gender-matched healthy children (control group). In children < 6 years old, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the proportions of lymphocytes expressing the surface markers CD3, CD8, CD19 or CD16/56, or in CD4/CD8 ratio. The proportion of CD4+ lymphocytes in SSPE patients < 6 years of age was significantly lower compared with the control group. In children ≥ 6 years old, there were no significant differences in the lymphocyte subgroups. In conclusion, these findings suggest that a low CD4+ lymphocyte count might be responsible for SSPE in younger children.
Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Outcomes in Road Traffic Injury Patients with Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Sheng L , Wu J-S , Zhang M , Xu S-W , Gan J-X , Jiang G-Y
Published: February 2013

Over 50% of road traffic injury (RTI) patients experience post-traumatic acute lung injury (ALI) and it is, therefore, extremely important to identify the risk factors related to the poor outcomes associated with ALI in RTI populations. This study evaluated 19 potential risk factors associated with the outcomes of ALI in 366 RTI patients. They were divided into two groups: a ‘favourable outcomes group’ and an ‘unfavourable outcomes group’. The results indicated that the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and the presence of gastrointestinal haemorrhage may help predict the outcomes of ALI in the early post-trauma phase of treatment. The duration of trauma and sepsis were shown to impact strongly on both the short- and long-term outcomes of ALI. Age (≥ 65 years) and disseminated intravascular coagulation in the early RTI phase were also independent risk factors for a poorer short- and long-term outcome in ALI.
Effects of Laparoscopically-assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy Compared with Abdominal Hysterectomy on Immune Function
Authors: Yue Q , Ma R , Mao D-W , Dong T-J , Sun L , Geng X-X , Han S-Y
Published: February 2013

This study evaluated the effects of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and abdominal hysterectomy (AH) on the immune system. Between May 2007 and July 2008, 84 women with uterine myoma were randomized in a double-blind manner to undergo LAVH ( n = 42) or AH ( n = 42). Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), T-lymphocyte CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations, and natural killer (NK) cells were measured 24 h before and 24 h and 72 h after surgery. The IL-6, TNF-α and CRP levels in both groups increased significantly after surgery compared with pre-operative levels, and were significantly lower in the LAVH versus the AH group. Post-operative CD3+ and CD8+ T-cell counts in the AH group decreased significantly compared with preoperative levels, whereas in the LAVH group they decreased but not to a statistically significant degree. Post-operative CD4+ T-cell counts in the AH group also decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery, but were significantly increased at 72 h. In conclusion, LAVH does not significantly affect immune function compared with AH, suggesting the preservation of postoperative immunity, however further clinical studies are necessary.
The Role of Procalcitonin in Gynaecological Surgery
Authors: Gorišek B , Miksić NG , Krajnc P , Pakiž M , Turk Z
Published: February 2013

We evaluated postoperative concentrations of inflammatory indicators, including procalcitonin, after gynaecological operations for benign and malignant tumours in patients with a normal postoperative course and assessed the utility of procalcitonin in differentiating between non-bacterial inflammation and bacteraemic complications in the postoperative period. This prospective study included 99 patients: 47 after a standard gynaecological operation (Piver I) and no postoperative infectious complications (group 1), 35 after a major procedure (Piver II or III) and no postoperative infectious complications (group 2), and five with postoperative sepsis after Piver II or III procedures (group 3). We also studied serum procalcitonin concentrations in a group of 12 patients (group 4) with terminal forms of gynaecological cancer who were hospitalized for palliative treatment but did not undergo surgery. Postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration corresponded with extent of tissue trauma in groups 1 and 2 and was significantly lower in group 1 than group 2. Inflammatory indicators were highest in groups 1 and 2 on postoperative day 2. In group 3, in which sepsis developed, values were highest on postoperative day 4. In particular, procalcitonin was > 2 ng/ml in all patients with postoperative sepsis by postoperative day 2 but was always ≤ 2 ng/ml in patients without sepsis. In contrast, high procalcitonin levels were noted in the patients in group 4 compared with group 3, with two-thirds of group 4 patients having levels > 2 ng/ml, with no signs of infection or raised CRP. It is concluded that, for early detection of postoperative infectious complications after gynaecological surgery, procalcitonin levels > 2 ng/ml are more specific than CRP.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Reminiscence Techniques for the Treatment of Depression in the Elderly: A Systematic Review
Authors: Peng X-D , Huang C-Q , Chen L-J , Lu Z-C
Published: February 2013

Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), reminiscence and general psychotherapy (GPT), is viewed as effective treatment for depression, but its efficacy in older people is not well defined. This systematic review included 14 randomized controlled trials that assessed the efficacy of psychotherapy for treating depression in elderly people (≥ 55 years). The results of this meta-analysis showed that, compared with placebo, psychotherapy was more effective in reducing depression scores (standardized mean difference −0.92; 95% confidence interval −1.21, −0.36). Subgroup analysis showed that CBT, reminiscence and GPT were all more effective than placebo; psychotherapy as an adjunct to antidepressant medication did not increase effectiveness. There was no significant difference between CBT and reminiscence in improving depression. A higher drop-out rate was observed in studies that did not include psychotherapy versus those that did, although this difference was not statistically significant. Thus, various general formats of psychotherapy are effective for treating depression in older people, although psychotherapy does not significantly increase the effectiveness of antidepressant medication.
Effects of Imatinib Mesylate on Renin–Angiotensin System (RAS) Activity during the Clinical Course of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Sayitoglu M , Haznedaroğlu IC , Hatirnaz O , Erbilgin Y , Aksu S , Koca E , Adiguzel C , Bayik M , Akalin I , Gülbas Z , Akay M , Unal A , Kaynar L , Ovali E , Yilmaz M , Yenerel M , Dagdas S , Ozet G , Ar C , Aydin Y , Soysal T , Durgun B , Ozcebe O , Tukun A , Ilhan O , Ozbek U ,   The Turkish CML Study Group
Published: February 2013

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in cell growth, proliferation and differentiation in bone marrow in an autocrine–paracrine manner, and it modulates normal and neoplastic haematopoietic cell proliferation. This study aimed to assess expressions of the RAS components, renin, angiotensinogen and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), during imatinib mesylate treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Expressions of RAS components were studied in patients with CML at the time of diagnosis ( n = 83) and at 3, 6 and 12 months after diagnosis ( n = 35) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. De novo CML patients had increased ACE, angiotensinogen and renin mRNA levels and these expression levels decreased following administration of imatinib. The RAS activities were significantly different among Sokal risk groups of CML, highlighting the altered biological activity of RAS in neoplastic disorders. The results of this study confirm that haematopoietic RAS affects neoplastic cell production, which may be altered via administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib mesylate.
Vision-Related Quality of Life and Emotional Impact in Children with Strabismus: A Prospective Study
Authors: Chai Y , Shao Y , Lin S , Xiong K-Y , Chen W-S , Li Y-Y , Yi J-L , Zhang L , Tan G , Tang J
Published: February 2013

The potential impact of the surgical correction of strabismus on vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) and the symptoms of anxiety and depression in children with strabismus remain unclear. The present study included 60 children with strabismus: 30 with heterophoria and 30 with heterotropia. A healthy age-and gender-matched control group ( n = 60) was also recruited. The psychological instruments that were used were the short-form 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The results demonstrated that eight of the 12 NEI-VFQ-25 subscales were significantly impaired in children with strabismus compared with matched controls. Compared with pre-operative values, significant improvements were noted after surgery in the NEI-VFQ-25 summary score, and the anxiety and depression scores. This study demonstrated that the NEI-VFQ-25 instrument can be used in strabismus children and that surgical interventions can improve VRQOL, anxiety and depression in strabismus patients.
Haemorrhage Detection in Brain Metastases of Lung Cancer Patients using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhang W , Ma X-X , Ji Y-M , Kang X-S , Li C-F
Published: February 2013

Magnetic resonance susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a new, highly-sensitive technique used to detect haemorrhage. This study evaluated the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect haemorrhage in 45 lung cancer patients with brain metastases and compared the results with T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE-T1WI). Eighty-nine haemorrhagic brain metastases were identified in 31 patients using SWI, 68 were identified in 23 patients using T2*WI and 46 were identified in 14 patients using CE-T1WI. Most micro-bleeds could only be identified by SWI. It was concluded that haemorrhage is a frequent occurrence in brain metastases originating from lung cancer and that haemorrhage can be detected using SWI in a majority of brain metastases patients.
Accuracy of Intra-Operative Frozen Section Analysis of Ovarian Tumours
Authors: Gorišek B , Stare M Rebolj , Krajnc I
Published: February 2013

During operative treatment for ovarian tumours assistance is frequently required to make decisions regarding malignancy status and the extent of the ensuing procedure. Intra-operative frozen section analysis may be useful, provided there is adequate acquaintance with the correlation between using frozen sections and permanent histopathological sections for diagnosis at the institution where the operation is being undertaken. This retrospective study aimed to determine this correlation. Findings from 131 intraoperative frozen sections were compared with the subsequent diagnosis from permanent histopathological sections for women with benign, borderline and malignant ovarian tumours at the Maribor Teaching Hospital (now the University Clinical Centre Maribor) between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 2001. Frozen-section findings corresponded to histopathological findings in 84.7% of cases, with 15.3% false-negative and no false-positive results. For benign, borderline and malignant ovarian tumours, sensitivity was 100.0%, 76.1% and 89.0%, respectively, and specificity was 90.6%, 90.6% and 100.0%, respectively. The majority of errors occurred in diagnosing mucinous borderline tumours. Precise preoperative diagnosis is extremely important in the treatment of ovarian tumours.
Transient Cortical Blindness after Coronary Angiography
Authors: Alp BN , Bozbuğa N , Tuncer MA , Yakut C
Published: February 2013

Transient cortical blindness is rarely encountered after angiography of native coronary arteries or bypass grafts. This paper reports a case of transient cortical blindness that occurred 72 h after coronary angiography in a 56-year old patient. This was the patient's fourth exposure to contrast medium. Neurological examination demonstrated cortical blindness and the absence of any focal neurological deficit. A non-contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scan of the brain revealed bilateral contrast enhancement in the occipital lobes and no evidence of cerebral haemorrhage, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed no pathology. Sight returned spontaneously within 4 days and his vision gradually improved. A search of the current literature for reported cases of transient cortical blindness suggested that this is a rarely encountered complication of coronary angiography.
Pre-Operative Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: He RB , Chen JQ
Published: February 2013

Gastric cancer is highly prevalent in several countries around the world and remains an incurable disease. Treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Surgical resection remains the definitive treatment for early stage (T1 and T2) gastric cancer, with 5-year survival rates of 70-95%. Localized tumours that extend beyond the submucosa are, however, associated with worse outcomes and a 5-year survival rate of 20-30%. Recent advances mainly concern chemotherapy prior to surgical resection. The goal of pre-operative chemotherapy is to allow an early attack on systemic micrometastatic disease and, by downstaging the primary tumour, to increase the percentage of patients able to undergo curative resection. Pre-operative chemotherapy remains experimental, but several phase II and III studies have shown promising results. One approach involves systemic, pre-operative chemotherapy for resectable gastric cancer. This review focuses on the development of pre-operative chemotherapy as a component of the multimodal treatment of gastric cancer.
Distinctive Effects of Carvedilol in the Non-Infarct Zone: Remodelling of the Ligated Rat Heart Linked to Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhuang XF , Yin CQ , Wang HY , Sun NL
Published: February 2013

In this study, an experimental rat ligated heart model was used to observe the effect of treatment with carvedilol, metoprolol and metoprolol plus a highly selective α1-adrenergic blocking agent, bunazosin, after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Compared with an untreated MI group, all drug-treated groups demonstrated attenuation of inflammatory mediators, activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and increased levels of mRNA and active protein for the collagenases matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-8 and MMP-13 in the non-infarct zone of the ventricle, as well as inhibition of the increase of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Supplementation of metoprolol with bunazosin did not add greatly to the effects of metoprolol alone. Of the three drug treatments, carvedilol showed a uniquely potent antioxidant activity that may strengthen its capacity to inhibit oxidative stress, the release of inflammatory mediators and activation of NF-κB. This study may help provide a mechanistic explanation for the greater benefits shown by carvedilol compared with metoprolol in treating heart failure.
Small Interfering RNA-Mediated Silencing of Heat Shock Protein 27 (HSP27) Increases Chemosensitivity to Paclitaxel by Increasing Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells (HO8910)
Authors: Song TF , Zhang ZF , Liu L , Yang T , Jiang J , Li PL
Published: February 2013

Increasing evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in paclitaxel cytotoxicity. Modulating the oxidant–antioxidant status of tumour cells may increase the antitumour activity of paclitaxel. The cytoprotective roles of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) include chaperoning cellular proteins, regulating apoptotic signalling and modulating oxidative stress. Immunohistochemical staining for HSP27 in human ovarian cancer specimens showed HSP27 was associated with aggressive malignant ovarian disease. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to down-regulate HSP27 in human ovarian cancer cells (HO8910). Reduction of HSP27 expression increased the in vitro chemosensitivity of HO8910 cells to paclitaxel and increased paclitaxel-induced apoptosis and ROS production, although the ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, partly offset the effects of HSP27 siRNA. Thus, gene knock-down of HSP27 offsets the role of this protein in resisting oxidant stress, thereby indirectly increasing the sensitivity of cells to paclitaxel. The siRNA-induced knock-down of HSP27 could be a novel and potent strategy to help overcome chemotherapeutic resistance to paclitaxel in epithelial ovarian cancer cells.
Expression of Steroidogenic Factor 1 (SF-1) and Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) in Endometriosis is Associated with Endometriosis Severity
Authors: Tian Y , Kong B , Zhu W , Su S , Kan Y
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to investigate the levels of expression of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in endometriosis, and to explore the association between these two factors and the menstrual cycle and the severity of endometriosis. Levels of SF-1 and StAR protein were evaluated using immunohistochemistry in 38 cases of endometriosis with ectopic endometria and in 25 normal endometria (controls). The SF-1 and StAR protein levels were significantly higher in ectopic endometria than in normal endometria. There was a significant correlation between the level of SF-1 and StAR in ectopic endometriotic tissues. It is concluded that protein levels of SF-1 and StAR are upregulated in ectopic endometria and are significantly correlated with the severity of endometriosis.
Role of Enoxaparin Resistance in Recurrent Chest Pain in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kaya A , Uzunhasan I , Ataoglu HE , Turhan N , Baskurt M , Hatemi A , Ozkan AA , Okcun B , Yigit Z
Published: February 2013

To investigate the relationship between anticoagulation treatment and drug resistance in chest pain, levels of factor Xa residual activity were determined in patients seen in intensive care with recurrent chest pain and compared with levels in patients who had no ischaemic events during hospitalization. A total of 122 patients aged 18-75 years who were admitted to hospital with acute coronary syndrome and treated with enoxaparin were included. Of these, 62 patients had recurrent chest pain while hospitalized (group A) and 60 patients had an uneventful follow-up period (group B). Patients requiring primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and/or treatment with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and those with renal failure, a high risk of bleeding or receiving anti-inflammatory drugs were excluded from the study. Median levels (± interquartile range) of factor Xa residual activity were significantly higher in group A compared with group B (0.68 ± 0.29 IU/ml versus 0.34 ± 0.33 IU/ml). It is concluded that enoxaparin resistance, resulting in high levels of factor Xa residual activity, should be considered in patients with recurrent ischaemia.
Vascular Compliance is Reduced in Geriatric People with Angiographic Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: You B-A , Gao H-Q , Li G-S , Huo X-Y , Qie L-Y
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the value of arterial elasticity measurement in the early diagnosis of angiographic coronary artery atherosclerosis in 105 consecutive elderly patients. They were divided into two groups according to the results of selective coronary angiography: 55 with coronary atherosclerosis and 50 with a normal coronary angiogram. The Gensini score of the coronary artery was acquired and capacitive arterial compliance (C1) and oscillatory arterial compliance (C2) were measured. An independent-sample t-test was used to evaluate the difference in C1 and C2 between the two groups. Bivariate analyses were performed to study the association between the Gensini score and C1 and C2. A significant difference between the two groups in C2 was found and the Gensini score of the coronary artery was significantly correlated with C2. Identification of early coronary atherosclerosis in geriatrics may be aided by the prognostic value of C2.
Intra-Operative Warming with a Forced-Air Warmer in Preventing Hypothermia after Tourniquet Deflation in Elderly Patients
Authors: Kim Y-S , Jeon Y-S , Lee J-A , Park W-K , Koh H-S , Joo J-D , In J-H , Seo K-W
Published: February 2013

This randomized, single-blind study aimed to explore the effects of intraoperative warming with a forced-air warmer in the prevention of hypothermia after tourniquet deflation in elderly patients undergoing unilateral total knee replacement arthroplasty under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomized to receive either intra-operative warming using a forced-air warmer with an upper body blanket (warming group; n = 12) or no intra-operative warming (non-warming group; n = 12). Oesophageal temperature was measured as core body temperature. At 30 min following tourniquet inflation, the core body temperature started to increase in the warming group whereas it continued to drop in the non-warming group. This difference was statistically significant. The final core body temperature after tourniquet deflation was significantly higher in the warming group (mean ± SD 36.1 ± 0.2 °C) than in the non-warming group (35.4 ± 0.3 °C). Intra-operative forced-air warming increased the core body temperature before tourniquet deflation and prevented subsequent hypothermia in elderly patients under general anaesthesia.
The Relationship between Plasma Level of Adiponectin and Coronary Lesion Complexity in the Population of North-East China
Authors: Yu YW , Qu XF , Li JJ , Song Y , Liu L , Xi NN , Liao Y , Liu LZ
Published: February 2013

The relationship between plasma adiponectin and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in 683 cases of suspected CAD from north-east China was determined. Cases were divided into four groups, as follows: group 1, no stenosis; group 2, > 50% stenosis of one vessel; group 3, > 50% stenosis of two vessels; group 4, > 50% stenosis of three or more vessels. Group 1 was classified as a non-CAD group (control) and groups 2, 3 and 4 were classified as CAD groups. Plasma adiponectin levels were significantly correlated with coronary artery stenosis and were lower in the CAD groups than in the non-CAD group. Adiponectin concentration decreased from group 2 to group 4, but this difference was not significant. Adiponectin levels among females were also lower than for males in the CAD groups. There was a significant difference between plasma adiponectin levels in patients with coronary stenoses versus those without, but there were no significant differences between the three CAD groups in terms of plasma adiponectin levels.
Explanatory Approach for Evaluation of Machine Learning-Induced Knowledge
Authors: Zorman M , Verlič M
Published: February 2013

Progress in biomedical research has resulted in an explosive growth of data. Use of the world wide web for sharing data has opened up possibilities for exhaustive data mining analysis. Symbolic machine learning approaches used in data mining, especially ensemble approaches, produce large sets of patterns that need to be evaluated. Manual evaluation of all patterns by a human expert is almost impossible. We propose a new approach to the evaluation of machine learning-induced knowledge by introducing a pre-evaluation step. Pre-evaluation is the automatic evaluation of patterns obtained from the data mining phase, using text mining techniques and sentiment analysis. It is used as a filter for patterns according to the support found in online resources, such as publicly-available repositories of scientific papers and reports related to the problem. The domain expert can then more easily distinguish between patterns or rules that are potential candidates for new knowledge.
Corneal Thickness in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Knez N , Šiško K , Pahor D
Published: February 2013

This observational study was designed to compare corneal thickness in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with the thickness in healthy control subjects to determine if there is a correlation between corneal thickness and the development of AMD. A total of 69 patients (119 eyes) with AMD and 31 healthy subjects (56 eyes) were evaluated. Corneal thickness was measured with a Galilei™ Dual Scheimpflug Analyser and retinal thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography. There was no significant difference in mean corneal thickness or mean retinal thickness between the AMD and control groups and no correlation between corneal and retinal thickness in either group. The results confirmed that corneal thickness is not associated with the development of AMD and cannot be used during diagnosis.
Polymorphisms in the Promoter Region of the Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Gene Are Not Associated with Myocardial Infarction in a Slovene Population with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kariž S , Grabar D , Krkovič M , Osredkar J , Petrovič D
Published: February 2013

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a multifunctional growth factor that may play a significant role in atherosclerotic vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study was designed to investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms (–553 T/A, −834 T/A and −921 C/G) in the promoter region of the bFGF gene and myocardial infarction (MI) in 443 patients with type 2 diabetes (149 with MI and 294 with no history of coronary artery disease). The −553 T/A, −834 T/A and −921 C/G polymorphisms of the bFGF gene were found not to be risk factors for MI in patients with type 2 diabetes. The impact of bFGF gene polymorphisms on serum bFGF levels was also investigated and significantly higher serum levels of bFGF were demonstrated in diabetes patients with the TA genotype of the −553 T/A polymorphism compared with diabetes patients with the TT wild type genotype (9.0 ± 5.6 ng/l versus 3.0 ± 1.9 ng/l, respectively). Thus, the tested bFGF gene polymorphisms cannot be used as genetic markers for MI in diabetic Caucasians.
Machine Learning Methods Applied to Pharmacokinetic Modelling of Remifentanil in Healthy Volunteers: A Multi-Method Comparison
Authors: Poynton MR , Choi BM , Kim YM , Park IS , Noh GJ , Hong SO , Boo YK , Kang SH
Published: February 2013

This study compared the blood concentrations of remifentanil obtained in a previous clinical investigation with the predicted remifentanil concentrations produced by different pharmacokinetic models: a non-linear mixed effects model created by the software NONMEM®; an artificial neural network (ANN) model; a support vector machine (SVM) model; and multi-method ensembles. The ensemble created from the mean of the ANN and the non-linear mixed effects model predictions achieved the smallest error and the highest correlation coefficient. The SVM model produced the highest error and the lowest correlation coefficient. Paired t-tests indicated that there was insufficient evidence that the predicted values of the ANN, SVM and two multi-method ensembles differed from the actual measured values at α = 0.05. The ensemble method combining the ANN and non-linear mixed effects model predictions outperformed either method alone. These results indicated a potential advantage of ensembles in improving the accuracy and reducing the variance of pharmacokinetic models.
Phenylephrine Attenuates Intra-Operative Hypothermia during Spinal Anaesthesia
Authors: Ro Y , Huh J , Min S , Han S , Hwang J , Yang S , Kim D K , Kim C
Published: February 2013

Inadvertent hypothermia is common during spinal anaesthesia. This study was based on the hypothesis that phenylephrine might attenuate core hypothermia by inhibiting core-to-peripheral redistribution of body heat during spinal anaesthesia. In this prospective randomized study, 20 patients who underwent elective orthopaedic surgery under spinal anaesthesia were randomly assigned to receive either normal saline (control group) or continuously-infused phenylephrine 0.5 μg/kg per min (phenylephrine group). Core temperature, heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored. Mean ± SE core temperature at the end of surgery was significantly higher in the phenylephrine-treated group compared with the control group (35.9 ± 0.1 °C versus 35.0 ± 0.1 °C, respectively), although there was no significant difference in baseline core temperature (both groups 36.3 ± 0.1 °C). Mean HR and MAP were not significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, continuously-infused phenylephrine attenuated core hypothermia during spinal anaesthesia without any haemodynamic complications.
Association of Collagen Type I α1 (COLIA1) Sp1 Polymorphism with Osteoporotic Fracture in Caucasian Post-menopausal Women: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Ji G-R , Yao M , Sun C-Y , Zhang L , Han Z
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to summarize quantitatively the evidence for a relationship between collagen type I α1 (COLIA1) Sp1 polymorphism and osteoporotic fracture risk in Caucasian post-menopausal women. This meta-analysis included 16 studies, which analysed 2294 patients with fractures and 10285 controls. The combined results showed that there was a significant difference in genotype distribution (SS odds ratio [OR] 0.72; Ss OR 1.18; ss OR 1.97) between patients with fractures and controls. When stratifying by the fracture site, it was found that: (i) patients with vertebral fractures had a significantly higher frequency of the Ss genotype and a lower frequency of the SS genotype than controls; and (ii) patients with non-vertebral fractures had a significantly higher frequency of the ss genotype and a lower frequency of the SS genotype than controls. This meta-analysis suggests that the COLIA1 Sp1 polymorphism may be associated with osteoporotic fracture in Caucasian post-menopausal women.
Correlation between Pre-Operative Brain Magnetic Resonance Angiography Findings and Intra-Operative Cerebral Oxygen Saturation during Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Roh Y-J , Choi J-W , Suh J-H , Shim J-Y , Choi I-C
Published: February 2013

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients often have cerebrovascular disease and pre-operative brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) frequently reveals cerebral vasculature stenosis. This study was designed to investigate whether pre-operative MRA findings correlated with regional cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2) in 120 patients undergoing on-pump or off-pump CABG. Following MRA examination, patients were divided into six groups of 20 patients each based on MRA findings (no stenosis, mild stenosis or severe stenosis) and procedure (on-pump or off-pump CABG). Mean ScO2 values over 3 min were determined at seven periods during surgery. Patients with severe cerebrovascular stenosis showed significantly lower ScO2 than other groups during off-pump CABG. During on-pump CABG, ScO2 decreased significantly during cardiopulmonary bypass in all groups and was significantly lower in the severe stenosis group. Pre-operative MRA and intra-operative ScO2 monitoring may help to identify patients at increased risk of brain damage during or following CABG.
Expression of Somatostatin Receptors in Human Melanoma Cell Lines: Effect of Two Different Somatostatin Analogues, Octreotide and SOM230, on Cell Proliferation
Authors: Martinez-Alonso M , Llecha N , Mayorga ME , Sorolla A , Dolcet X , Sanmartin V , Abal L , Casanova JM , Baradad M , Yeramian A , Egido R , Puig S , Vilella R , Matias-Guiu X , Marti RM
Published: February 2013

Somatostatin analogues (SAs) are potential anticancer agents. This study was designed to investigate the expression of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) in melanoma cells and the effect of two SAs on cell proliferation and viability. Eighteen primary and metastatic human cutaneous melanoma cell lines were treated with octreotide and SOM230. Expression of SSTR1, SSTR2, SSTR3 and SSTR5 was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Proliferation, viability and cell death were assessed using standard assays. Inhibition was modelled by mixed-effect regression. Melanoma cells expressed one or more SSTR. Both SAs inhibited proliferation of most melanoma cell lines, but inhibition was < 50%. Neither SA affected cell viability or induced cell death. The results suggest that melanoma cell lines express SSTRs. The SAs investigated, under the conditions used in this study, did not, however, significantly inhibit melanoma growth or induce cell death. Novel SAs, combination therapy with SAs and their anti-angiogenic properties should be further investigated.
Comparison of Anti-Xa Activity after a Single Intravenous Bolus of Low-Dose Enoxaparin in Patients with and without End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Lin J-S , Wang W-J , Lin W-C , Wu X-M , Chao C-L
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to evaluate anti-Xa activity hourly during the first 3 h after a single intravenous bolus of 0.5 mg/kg enoxaparin in 30 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who underwent haemodialysis, and in 30 patients with normal or mildly reduced renal function who underwent coronary angiography for chest pain (non-ESRD group). Mean ± SD haemodialysis time was 3.9 ± 0.3 h in the ESRD group. Of 24 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease in the non-ESRD group, 20 underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A peak anti-Xa activity > 0.5 IU/ml 10 min after enoxaparin injection was obtained in 90% and 93% of the non-ESRD and ESRD patients, respectively. The percentages of patients with peak anti-Xa activity in the target range (0.5 - 1.5 IU/ml) were similar in the two groups (non-ESRD 80%, ESRD 93%). Adequate anti-Xa activity (> 0.5 IU/ml) lasted about 2 h in both groups. It is concluded that a single intravenous low-dose enoxaparin (0.5 mg/kg) bolus provides anti-Xa activity adequate for elective PCI within 2 h irrespective of whether or not the patient had ESRD.
Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis of Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells Induced by Free Fatty Acids
Authors: Zhou H , Liu X , Liu L , Yang Z , Zhang S , Tang M , Tang Y , Dong Q , Hu R
Published: February 2013

Damage to endothelial cells is a key event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and vascular disease. This study aimed to determine whether free fatty acids (FFAs) induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) in vitro and, if so, which signalling pathway mediated these effects. After culture in different concentrations of FFAs for 24-72 h, cell viability/proliferation was determined using a cell counting kit, apoptosis was detected by measuring caspase-3 activity and by using annexin V-conjugated fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, and oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The HBMVECs exposed to FFAs showed significantly decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and ROS levels, and decreased MMP. In conclusion, the results showed that high levels of FFAs induced oxidative stress, which damaged HBMVECs and resulted in apoptosis.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytology and Clinical Analysis of 34 Cases with Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis
Authors: Liu J , Jia H , Yang Y , Dai W , Su X , Zhao G
Published: February 2013

The clinical characteristics and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytological features of 34 hospitalized patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) were studied. Most patients presented with signs of meningeal irritation (19 cases) and intra-cranial hypertension (23 cases). Computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed brain parenchymal lesions, hydrocephalus and leptomeningeal enhancement (nine, six and eight cases, respectively). The CSF changes included high opening pressure (21 cases), increased white blood cell count (23 cases), elevated protein levels (25 cases) and low glucose levels (17 cases). Malignant cells were found in all CSF specimens and 32 cases had malignant cells in their initial CSF examinations. High serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) occurred in 11 patients. Signs of meningeal irritation and intra-cranial hypertension were common. It is concluded that serum CEA measurement along with CT and MRI scanning are helpful in the diagnosis of LC. Crucially, however, CSF cytology could be the most important technique for the diagnosis of LC.
Identification of Acute Self-Limited Hepatitis B among Patients Presenting with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute Hepatitis: A Hospital-Based Epidemiological and Clinical Study
Authors: Han Y-N
Published: February 2013

This study aimed to identify acute self-limited hepatitis B (ASL-HB) among patients presenting with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute hepatitis. Data were available for 220 patients diagnosed with HBV-related acute hepatitis, of whom 164 had acute hepatitis B (AHB). Of these, 160 were confirmed as ASL-HB: three (1.9%) evolved to chronic hepatitis B and one (0.6%) developed fulminant hepatitis and died. Comparisons were also made between AHB and acute infections with hepatitis A (HA) and hepatitis E (HE) viruses. During the study period, the number of patients with AHB exceeded the sum of those with acute HA and acute HE infections. There was no distinct seasonal peak for AHB infection, whereas both acute HA and acute HE infections occurred more frequently in the spring. Clinical symptoms and physical signs were similar for all three types of hepatitis, but significant differences were seen in some biochemical parameters. In conclusion, this study suggests that symptomatic AHB is not rare in China but it seldom evolves to chronic hepatitis B.
Parotid Gland Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dong XR , Zhang T , Fan L , Zhang S , Wu G
Published: February 2013

Parotid metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is extremely rare. The current case report presents the history of a 41-year old male with the primary symptom of a right parotid gland mass who was diagnosed with NPC by histopathology in 2006 and was staged as having cT3N2M0 disease (stage III, American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, 2002). Histopathological examination of a partial excision of the mass on the right parotid and the neoplasm in the pharynx nasalis revealed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient received radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy. Grade 2 skin reaction, grade 2 oropharyngeal mucositis and grade 3 xerostomia were detected during treatment. The patient achieved a complete clinical response by 1 month after treatment. At the last follow-up in August 2009, the patient was in a good condition and living a normal life. The primary symptom of parotid gland mass in patients with NPC is commonly misdiagnosed and a pathological analysis can be considered a reliable method for confirming diagnosis.
Size of the Largest Lymph Node Visualized on Multi-Detector-Row Computed Tomography (MDCT) is Useful in Predicting Metastatic Lymph Node Status of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yan C , Zhu Z-G , Yan M , Zhang H , Pan Z-L , Chen J , Xiang M , Chen M-M , Liu B-Y , Yin H-R , Lin Y-Z
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to investigate whether the size of the largest lymph node (long-axis diameter [LAD] and short-axis diameter [SAD]) visualized using multi-detector-row computed tomography (MDCT) was useful for predicting the metastatic lymph node (MLN) status of gastric cancer. A retrospective analysis of 305 gastric cancer patients who underwent pre-operative MDCT was performed, followed by a prospective study in 61 gastric cancer patients to determine the diagnostic effectiveness of LAD and SAD. In the retrospective study, the accuracy of LAD and SAD for predicting the MLN status of gastric cancer was 51.1% and 45.9%, respectively. In the prospective study, the accuracy of LAD and SAD measurement and the traditional MDCT method of counting MLNs was 52.5%, 49.2% and 57.4%, respectively; the differences were not significant. In conclusion, the size of the largest lymph node in terms of LAD and SAD visualized on MDCT was useful for predicting the MLN status of gastric cancer, with accuracy comparable to the traditional MDCT method of counting the total number of MLNs detected.
Relationship between Bone Mineral Density and Clinical Features in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Local Study in Turkish Population
Authors: Poturoglu S , Balkan F , Karaali ZE , Ibrisim D , Yanmaz S , Aktuglu MB , Alioglu T , Kendir M
Published: February 2013

This study aimed to compare the bone mineral density (BMD) of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in order to determine the possible risk factors for bone loss. A total of 142 patients with UC ( n = 88) and CD ( n = 54) participated in the study. They were assessed for gender, body mass index (BMI), disease duration and activity, intestinal site of involvement, history of bowel resection, use of steroids, and extra-intestinal findings and complications. The BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. There were no differences in BMD between UC and CD patients. In UC patients, BMI showed a significant positive correlation with BMD. Femoral neck Z scores were lower in patients with extra-intestinal findings and complications. Steroid use, disease activity, disease localization, disease duration, bowel surgery and gender had no influence on BMD. Complications or extra-intestinal involvement were a significant predictor for BMD in both groups.
Serum Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Levels in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Li Z-Z , Lu X-Z , Liu J-B , Chen L
Published: February 2013

Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) has been reported to be involved in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. This study was designed to investigate serum levels of RBP4 in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without diabetic retinopathy. Based on ophthalmological examination, 92 patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into three subgroups: those without diabetic retinopathy (NDR; n = 40); those with simple diabetic retinopathy (SDR; n = 37); and those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR; n = 15). The serum RBP4 level was significantly elevated in individuals with PDR compared with those with NDR or SDR. There was a significant positive correlation between serum RBP4 level and the urine albumin excretion rate ( r = 0.219). This study showed that RBP4 may be involved in the process of diabetic retinopathy and may be a novel biomarker for its diagnosis and treatment in diabetic patients.
Gender-Dependent Penetrance of Small Heterodimer Partner (SHP) Gene Deficiency in Overweight/Obese Chinese Pedigrees
Authors: Yang Z , Wu S , Zheng T , Lu H , Ma X , Jia W , Hu R
Published: February 2013

Mutations of the small heterodimer partner ( SHP) gene have been associated with mild obesity in Japanese subjects. This study was designed to investigate whether there was a similar association in 772 Chinese adults. A total of 272 subjects were normal weight, 423 were overweight and 77 were obese. Four non-synonymous mutations (R34X, H53fsdel10, G171A, G189E) were identified in 10 out of the 500 overweight/obese subjects, but were not seen in the normal weight controls (prevalence 2.00% versus 0.00%, respectively). The relatives of proband carriers, including 25 carriers and 33 non-carriers from three generations, were also screened for 10 multigenerational non-consanguineous pedigrees. A gender-dependent penetrance effect was observed in the pedigrees. Furthermore, the frequency of SHP gene mutations was significantly higher in those with type 2 diabetes compared with the non-diabetics (61.5% versus 28.1%, respectively). These data provide evidence of a gender-dependent effect on penetrance for SHP deficiency and suggest that SHP mutations increase susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.
Epidemiological Investigation of Metabolic Syndrome and Analysis of Relevant Factors in North-Eastern China
Authors: Wang W , Kong J , Sun J , Wang CY , Chen HY , Jiang YF , Feng XW , He SM , Niu JQ
Published: February 2013

This epidemiological study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors in Chinese subjects from Dehui in northeastern China. Using a random sampling method, a questionnaire was completed by 3785 permanent residents aged 18-72 years and relevant clinical data were collected from each subject. Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors that were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Based on the International Diabetes Federation definition, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 22.4%, which is higher than that of the general Chinese population. Metabolic syndrome occurred more frequently in females and the prevalence gradually increased with age. Living in an urban setting and being female, > 50 years old, overweight, having total cholesterol ≥ 5.18 mmol/l, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥ 3.1 mmol/l, and a fatty liver were significant risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.
Comparison of Anastomotic Leakage and Stricture Formation following Layered and Stapler Oesophagogastric Anastomosis for Cancer: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang YS , Gao BR , Wang HJ , Su YF , Yang YZ , Zhang JH , Wang C
Published: February 2013

The objective of this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, conducted from May 2002 to December 2007, was to compare post-operative anastomotic leakage and stricture formation following layered manual versus stapler oesophagogastric anastomosis in patients who underwent resection of oesophageal or gastric cardia carcinoma. Patients ( n = 516) were randomized to receive either layered manual or circular stapled oesophagogastric anastomosis. Mean follow-up time was > 12 months. Anastomotic leakage occurred in one (0.4%) patient in the layered group and six (2.2%) in the stapler group; no statistically significant between-group difference. After operation, two (0.8%) patients in the layered group and 13 (5.0%) in the stapler group developed a benign oesophageal stricture; the difference between the groups was statistically significant. Compared with stapler anastomosis, layered manual anastomosis may significantly reduce the incidence of anastomotic strictures. This method is easy to apply and could be used as an alternative procedure for oesophagogastric anastomosis after resection for oesophageal or cardia carcinoma.