bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Anti-tumour Effect of Cisplatin with Low-voltage Electrochemotherapy in Hamster Oral Fibrosarcoma
Authors: Fujimoto T , Maeda H , Kubo K , Sugita Y , Nakashima T , Sato E , Tanaka Y , Madachi M , Aiba M , Kameyama Y
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of low-voltage electrochemotherapy with intraperitoneal cisplatin on hamster oral fibrosarcoma. Oral fibrosarcoma was transplanted sub-mucosally into the cheek pouch mucosa of 100 hamsters. After transplantation, the hamsters were randomly divided into four equal groups. These groups received no treatment (D-E-); 2 mg/kg body weight cisplatin treatment without electroporation (D+E-); electroporation without cisplatin treatment (D-E+);or 2 mg/kg body weight cisplatin treatment followed by electroporation (D+E+). Electrical pulse treatment together with cisplatin injection markedly reduced the size of the tumour, whereas cisplatin injection or electrical pulse treatment alone did not. These results clearly indicate that the anti-tumour effect of cisplatin on hamster oral fibrosarcoma was considerably potentiated or enhanced by the administration of local electrical pulses at low voltages.
The Significance of Elevated Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Bozkanat E , Tozkoparan E , Baysan O , Deniz O , Ciftci F , Yokusoglu M
Published: February 2013

We investigated the clinical significance of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a cardiac hormone, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Subjects were 38 patients with stable COPD, of whom 20 had cor pulmonale (CP), and 22 were healthy individuals. Plasma BNP levels were measured and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was estimated by echocardiography. Arterial blood gas analysis, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were also recorded. BNP levels of patients with COPD were higher than those of controls (48.2 ± 37.5 and 9.3 ± 3.0 pg/ml). Patients with CP had a higher mean BNP level with respect to those without CP (73.9 ± 35.8 and 21.0 ± 10.2 pg/ml, respectively). BNP levels correlated with PAP ( r = 0.68), partial arterial oxygen pressure ( r = −0.70), FEV1 ( r = −0.65) and FVC ( r = −0.52). We have concluded that BNP determination has a role in the diagnosis of CP in patients with COPD.
Endothelial Dysfunction, Distensibility and Intima-media Thickness and Aetiology of Stroke
Authors: Chlumský J , Charvát J
Published: February 2013

This study measured carotid artery distensibility, intima-media thickness (IMT) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in patients with ischaemic stroke and evaluated if there was a relationship between these measurements and the presence of atrial fibrillation. Distensibility and IMT were measured in 89 patients with ischaemic stroke using ultrasonography; 44 patients had atrial fibrillation. Distensibility was determined using the Reneman equation. FMD was measured in a second group of 52 patients with ischaemic stroke; 20 patients had atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation had lower IMT values compared with patients without atrial fibrillation (0.67 versus 0.79 mm, respectively). Distensibility increased in patients with atrial fibrillation compared with patients without atrial fibrillation (0.19 versus 0.10 mm/100 mmHg, respectively). Patients with atrial fibrillation had significantly better FMD results than patients without atrial fibrillation (5.7% versus 3.2%, respectively). Measuring distensibility, IMT and FMD might be helpful in differentiating between stroke of embolic and thrombotic aetiology.
Keratinizing Squamous Epithelium Associated with Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum Differentiates towards Infrainfundibulum: Case Report with Immunohistochemical Study of Cytokeratins
Authors: Kurokawa I , Mizutani H , Nishijima S , Kusumoto K , Tsubura A
Published: February 2013

We describe a case of Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) with keratinizing squamous epithelium in a 26-year-old female presenting with a dark brown to black nodule on her forehead. After surgical excision, the specimen was examined immunohistochemically using antibodies against cytokeratin (CK) 1, 8, 10, 14, 17, 18 and 19. Within the keratinizing squamous epithelium, CK1, 10, 14 and 17 were present, whereas the other CKs were absent. Based on CK expression, keratinizing squamous epithelium in SCAP seems to differentiate towards the infrainfundibulum.
Closer to the Gold Standard: An Appraisal of Formulae Available in Italy for Use in Formula-fed Infants
Authors: Riva E , Verduci E , Agostoni C , Giovannini M
Published: February 2013

Infant formulae are the only alternatives to breast milk for infants who are unable to continue breastfeeding through the first year of life. They aim to provide formula-fed infants with the same structural and functional benefits observed in breastfed infants. To achieve this, bioactive nutrients have been added to infant formulae in recent years: long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for neurodevelopment; probiotics and prebiotics for local gastrointestinal defence; and nucleotides for promoting the immune response. Changes in protein quantity and quality allow infant formulae to achieve a balance between providing the correct plasma amino acid profile and reducing the protein intake, which could prevent obesity in later life. Hydrolysed proteins may help prevent atopic disorders. Many short-term trials have been published but long-term follow-up data are needed in infants who have been fed the newer infant formulae, to fully understand the role of bioactive nutrients.
Effects of Trimetazidine on Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients with Chronic Cor Pulmonale
Authors: Bayram E , Atalay C , Kocatürk H , Yücel O
Published: February 2013

An oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in favour of oxidants appears to occur in chronic cor pulmonale (CCP). Oxidative stress could also be a critical event in the pathogenesis of this condition. Trimetazidine (TMZ) has antioxidant properties and may affect the utilization of oxygen radicals. We investigated the effect of TMZ (20 mg three times daily, orally) on activities of erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (eCAT), erythrocyte and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and plasma superoxide dismutase (pSOD) in CCP patients. We also assessed changes in plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) with TMZ therapy.

Sixty CCP patients with significantly higher MDA and markedly lower pSOD, eCAT and GSH-Px (erythrocyte) activities than 24 healthy controls were randomly allocated to receive routine treatment or routine treatment plus TMZ. After 3 months' therapy, greater pSOD, eCAT and GSH-Px (erythrocyte and plasma) activities and lower MDA activity were found with TMZ treatment compared with routine treatment. Plasma BNP levels were significantly lower in TMZ-treated patients and higher in the routine treatment group than in the control group. TMZ improved antioxidant levels, decreased oxidative stress and decreased plasma BNP levels in CCP patients.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Comparison of the Anti-hypertensive Efficacy of Fixed Combinations of Irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide and Losartan/hydrochlorothiazide in Patients with Mild-to-moderate Hypertension
Authors: Neutel JM , Smith D
Published: February 2013

This study examined whether the greater anti-hypertensive efficacy of irbesartan monotherapy over losartan monotherapy extends to the respective fixed-dose combinations with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Patients were treated with either irbesartan 150 mg/HCTZ 12.5 mg or losartan 50 mg/HCTZ 12.5 mg over a 4-week period. Twenty-four hour daytime and night-time mean blood pressure (BP), BP load and duration of action were assessed using ambulatory BP monitoring. Both treatment regimens significantly reduced BP from baseline for all efficacy variables assessed. A significant difference was noted in adjusted mean changes from baseline in 24-h ambulatory diastolic BP with irbesartan/HCTZ versus losartan/HCTZ. Reduction in diastolic load was significantly greater with irbesartan/ HCTZ than with losartan/HCTZ as was mean ambulatory systolic BP during the last 4 h of the dosing interval. Both regimens were well tolerated, with no significant differences in terms of adverse event profile observed. Irbesartan 150 mg/HCTZ 12.5 mg resulted in greater reductions in ambulatory BP than losartan 50 mg/HCTZ 12.5 mg.
Is the Remarkable Contradiction between Histology and 14C Urea Breath Test in the Detection of Helicobacter pylori due to False-negative Histology or False-positive 14C Urea Breath Test?
Authors: Gurbuz AK , Ozel AM , Narin Y , Yazgan Y , Baloglu H , Demirturk L
Published: February 2013

We assessed the diagnostic value of the 14C urea breath test (UBT) in the detection of Helicobacter pylori compared with histology and the rapid urease test (RUT). The study included 68 patients (22 men and 46 women) with dyspeptic symptoms. H. pylori status was evaluated by 14C UBT, RUT and histology. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy were determined for 14C UBT and for RUT. Histology revealed dense yeast-like micro-organisms in the biopsy specimens in all patients with false-positive results by 14C UBT (n = 8), a significantly higher proportion than in patients with negative 14C UBT (five of 31). The low specificity of the H. pylori14C UBT should not be neglected by accepting histology results as false-negative. Gastric mucosal colonization by yeast-like micro-organisms with urease activity can account for the high frequency of false-positive results for 14C UBT.
Enhanced Expression of the Local Haematopoietic Bone Marrow Renin-Angiotensin System in Polycythemia Rubra Vera
Authors: Aksu S , Beyazit Y , Haznedaroglu IC , Kekilli M , Canpinar H , Misirlioğlu M , Uner A , Tuncer S , Sayinalp N , Büyükasik Y , Goker H , Ozcebe OI
Published: February 2013

Local bone marrow (BM) renin-angiotensin system (RAS) affects physiological and pathological haematopoiesis, including erythropoiesis. In this study, quantitative expression of the messenger RNAs of the major RAS components – angiotensin-converting enzyme (CD143), renin and angiotensinogen – were measured in BM samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, to evaluate the activity of local BM RAS in polycythemia rubra vera (PV) in comparison with normal erythropoiesis. The presence of CD143 was also investigated in the same BM samples by flow cytometry. Increased local synthesis of the major RAS components has been identified by demonstrating corresponding mRNAs in the BM of the patients with PV. Our findings indicate up-regulation of local BM RAS, together with down-regulation of the cell surface angiotensin-converting enzyme receptors, in the autonomous neoplastic clonal erythropoiesis of PV.
The Telmisartan Renoprotective Study from Incipient Nephropathy to Overt Nephropathy – Rationale, Study Design, Treatment Plan and Baseline Characteristics of the Incipient to Overt: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker, Telmisartan, Investigation on Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy (INNOVATION) Study
Authors: Makino H , Haneda M , Babazono T , Moriya T , Ito S , Iwamoto Y , Kawamori R , Takeuchi M , Katayama S
Published: February 2013

We planned the INNOVATION study to determine whether telmisartan, an angiotensin-2-receptor blocker, delays the progression of renal disease from incipient nephropathy to overt nephropathy in hypertensive or normotensive Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The INNOVATION study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eligible patients must have incipient nephropathy (defined as a urinary albumin to creatinine ratio of 100-300 mg/g creatinine) and a serum creatinine concentration of < 1.5 mg/dl for men and < 1.3 mg/dl for women. Patients who need treatment with angiotensin II receptor blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are excluded. Eligible patients are randomly assigned to three groups: telmisartan titrated to 40 mg; telmisartan titrated to 80 mg; or placebo. The primary endpoint is the time from baseline visit to first detection of overt nephropathy (defined by a urinary albumin to creatinine ratio that is > 300 mg/g creatinine and 30% higher than the baseline on at least two consecutive visits). A total of 1855 patients have been enrolled from 160 study centres. In 527 randomized patients (28.4% of the enrolled patients), mean (SD) urinary albumin to creatinine ratio and serum creatinine concentration at baseline were 173.3 (47.2) mg/g creatinine and 0.78 (0.19) mg/dl. Sixty-eight per cent of the patients had hypertension at baseline. Mean (SD) systolic and diastolic blood pressures at baseline were 137.1 (14.6) and 77.5 (10.3) mmHg. The INNOVATION study will determine whether telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, provides clinical benefits in hypertensive or normotensive patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy.
Retrograde Hydrostatic Irrigation Enema-induced Perforation of the Sigmoid Colon in a Chronic Renal Failure Patient before Colonoscopy
Authors: Nakamura H , Iyoda M , Sato K , Kitazawa K
Published: February 2013

We present a rare case of colon perforation caused by hydrostatic irrigation enema in a patient with chronic renal failure. A 76-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of an exacerbation of lumbar pain and increased difficulty in walking. She had a medical history of traumatic neck pain and chronic lower back pain, which had been treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 8 years. On admission, the C-reactive protein level was 6.8 mg/dl, so we planned to do a colonoscopy to determine the cause of inflammation. The patient developed abdominal pain approximately 3.5 h after a pre-procedural enema was administered. An emergency operation was performed and a small perforation was found in the sigmoid colon. We conclude that the cause of the colon perforation was a combination of the use of a hydrostatic retrograde irrigation enema in a patient with chronic renal failure who had been treated with long-term NSAIDs.
Effects of Selective Brain Cooling in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Liu WG , Qiu WS , Zhang Y , Wang WM , Lu F , Yang XF
Published: February 2013

We prospectively investigated noninvasive selective brain cooling (SBC) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Sixty-six in-patients were randomized into three groups. In one group, brain temperature was maintained at 33-35 °C by cooling the head and neck (SBC);in a second group, mild systemic hypothermia (MSH; rectal temperature 33-35°C) was produced with a cooling blanket; and a control group was not exposed to hypothermia. Natural re-warming began after 3 days. Mean intracranial pressure 24, 48 or 72 h after injury was significantly lower in the SBC group than in the control group. Mean serum superoxide dismutase levels on Days 3 and 7 after injury in the SBC and MSH groups were significantly higher than in the control group. The percentage of patients with a good neurological outcome 2 years after injury was 72.7%, 57.1% and 34.8% in the SBC, MSH and control groups, respectively. Complications were managed without severe sequelae. Non-invasive SBC was safe and effective.
Oral Lactoferrin in HIV-1 Vertically Infected Children: An Observational Follow-up of Plasma Viral Load and Immune Parameters
Authors: Zuccotti GV , Salvini F , Riva E , Agostoni C
Published: February 2013

Lactoferrin (LF) is a mammalian iron-binding glycoprotein with antiviral effects. This preliminary study evaluated 6 months' LF (3 g/day, orally) treatment in 22 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vertically infected children. Plasma viral load and CD4+ cell counts were assessed every 3 months; before, during and after LF administration. No significant changes were observed during the pre-treatment period. By 6 months, mean (± SD) plasma viral load (log10) declined from 4.54 (± 0.65) to 4.28 (± 0.60); median percentage CD4+ cell count increased from 21.5% to 24.5%. Two months after treatment discontinuation, mean plasma viral load did not differ significantly from baseline or month 6 levels, but the percentage CD4+ cell count remained significantly higher than the baseline value. LF plus antiretroviral (ARV) therapy was more effective at increasing CD4+ cell count than LF alone. None of the patients showed any new HIV-1-related symptoms at follow-up. LF might be a useful addition to ARV therapy, but further large-scale studies are required.
Durable Molecular Complete Remission Induced by Low-dose Imatinib plus Low-dose Interferon Alpha in a Patient with Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia
Authors: Takeuchi J , Miura K , Hatta Y , Sawada U
Published: February 2013

A 50-year-old male was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) in chronic phase in March 2000. He was treated initially with hydroxyurea, administered orally. This was changed to interferon alpha (IFN) 5 million units (5 MIU) subcutaneously daily in May 2000; complete cytogenetic response was achieved 11 months later. IFN dosage was reduced to 5 MIU, alternate days, in June 2001 and a cytogenetic relapse occurred 3 months later. Since April 2002, he has received IFN 5 MIU three times weekly in combination with imatinib 200 mg/day. The Philadelphia chromosome disappeared from his peripheral blood cells in July 2002 and a complete molecular response was achieved in January 2003. Serial molecular studies between January 2004 and January 2005 showed no detectable major BCR/ABL chimeric transcript. Grade 2 neutropenia and grade 1 non-haematological adverse effects have been observed. This case report suggests the combination of low-dose imatinib and IFN would be tolerable and effective for CML patients in chronic phase.
A Rare Case of Recurrent Alpha-fetoprotein-producing Gastric Cancer without Re-elevation of Serum AFP
Authors: Tomiyama K , Takahashi M , Fujii T , Kunisue H , Kanaya Y , Maruyama S , Yokoyama N , Shimizu N , Soda M
Published: February 2013

We report an extremely rare case of recurrent alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing gastric cancer without re-elevation of serum AFP. The patient was a 78-year-old woman with AFP-producing gastric cancer, a rare type of gastric adenocarcinoma. A Borrmann III gastric tumour was surgically resected and AFP-producing gastric cancer was diagnosed based on high levels of serum AFP (705.44 ng/ml) and immunohistochemical examination of the tumour. The serum AFP level decreased to the normal range after resection without any sign of recurrence by imaging, but the patient developed local recurrence of the cancer and died 13 months after surgery. No re-elevation of serum AFP levels was observed after recurrence. Although serum AFP levels are believed to be useful for follow-up in the post-operative period, the possibility that serum AFP levels do not always correlate with the extent of the cancer should be kept in mind.
An Open-label, Randomized, Controlled, 4-week Comparative Clinical Trial of Barnidipine Hydrochloride, a Calcium-channel Blocker, and Benazepril, an Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitor, in Chinese Patients with Renal Parenchymal Hypertension
Authors: Chen X , Zheng F , Chen P , Tang L , Wei R , Yu Y , Su Y , Kikkawa T , Yamamoto M
Published: February 2013

This study compared barnidipine, a calcium-channel blocker, and benazepril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, in 85 Chinese patients with renal parenchymal hypertension (diastolic blood pressure range 95-110 mmHg). Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 10 mg barnidipine or 10 mg benazepril orally daily for 4 weeks. In patients with diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg after 2 weeks of treatment, the dose of barnidipine or benazepril was increased by 5 or 10 mg, respectively. Both the barnidipine-treated group ( n = 43) and the benazepril-treated group ( n = 42) showed significant mean reductions from baseline in sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The decrease in diastolic blood pressure with benazepril was significantly greater than with barnidipine treatment. Sitting heart rate was not changed by either drug. There was no significant difference in adverse events between the two groups. Barnidipine is similar to benazepril for the treatment of renal parenchymal hypertension.
Strategy Aimed at Reduction of Sputum Eosinophils Decreases Exacerbation Rate in Patients with Asthma
Authors: Chlumský J , Striz I , Terl M , Vondracek J
Published: February 2013

Under Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, the clinical control of disease activity and the adjustment of treatment in patients with asthma are based on symptoms, use of rescue medication, lung function and peak expiratory flow measurement (standard strategy). We investigated whether a strategy to reduce the number of sputum eosinophils (EOS strategy) gives better clinical control and a lower exacerbation rate compared with the standard strategy. Fifty-five patients with moderate to severe asthma entered this open, randomized, parallel-group study and visited the out-patient department every 3 months for 18 months. The dose of corticosteroids was adjusted according to the standard strategy or the percentage of sputum eosinophils (EOS strategy). During the study period, the EOS strategy led to a significantly lower incidence of asthma exacerbations compared with the standard strategy group (0.22 and 0.78 exacerbations per year per patient, respectively). There were significant differences between the strategies in time to first exacerbation.
Forskolin versus Sodium Cromoglycate for Prevention of Asthma Attacks: A Single-blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: González-Sánchez R , Trujillo X , Trujillo-Hernández B , Vásquez C , Huerta M , Elizalde A
Published: February 2013

To determine the efficacy of forskolin in preventing asthma attacks, we performed a single-blinded clinical study in children and adult out-patients at a public hospital in Mexico. Forty patients of either sex with mild persistent or moderate persistent asthma were assigned randomly to 6 months of treatment with forskolin at 10 mg/day orally (capsules) or with two inhalations of sodium cromoglycate every 8 h, i.e. three times a day. The number of patients who had asthma attacks during the treatment period was significantly lower among those receiving forskolin (8/20, 40%) than among those receiving sodium cromoglycate (17/20, 85%). Values of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced expiratory flow, mid-phase, were similar in the two groups during the treatment period. We conclude that forskolin is more effective than sodium cromoglycate in preventing asthma attacks in patients with mild persistent or moderate persistent asthma.
Abdominal Wound Dehiscence in Patients Receiving Long-term Steroid Treatment
Authors: Kihara A , Kasamaki S , Kamano T , Sakamoto K , Tomiki Y , Ishibiki Y
Published: February 2013

Steroids inhibit primary wound healing and delay the formation of granulation tissue, but it has been controversial whether long-term steroid treatment by itself increases the risk of abdominal wound dehiscence. The aim of this study was to determine whether the pre-operative dose and post-operative total dose of steroids influence abdominal wound dehiscence. Of 28 patients who had surgery while receiving long-term steroid treatment, seven had abdominal wound dehiscence and 21 did not have dehiscence. The two groups differed significantly in the post-operative dose of steroids (404.3 ± 147.1 and 135.6 ± 118.7 mg, respectively) and the duration of wound healing (57.3 ± 18.0 and 12.4 ± 3.8 days), but no other differences were found. Abdominal wound dehiscence may be influenced by the post-operative rather than the pre-operative steroid dose.
A Study of the Pathogenesis and Prevention of Central Pontine Myelinolysis in a Rat Model
Authors: Ke Q-H , Liang T-B , Yu J , Zheng S-S
Published: February 2013

The development of central pontine myelinolysis was studied in rats. Severe hyponatraemia was induced using vasopressin tannate and 2.5% dextrose in water and then rapidly corrected with hypertonic saline alone, hypertonic saline and dexamethasone simultaneously, or hypertonic saline plus dexamethasone 24 h later. The permeability of the blood-brain barrier was evaluated using the extravasation of Evans blue dye and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the brain was examined using Western blot analysis. Histological sections were examined for demyelinating lesions. In rats receiving hypertonic saline alone, Evans blue dye content and expression of iNOS began to increase 6 and 3 h, respectively, after rapid correction of hyponatraemia and demyelinating lesions were seen. When dexamethasone was given simultaneously with hypertonic saline, these increases were inhibited and demyelinating lesions were absent. These effects were lost if dexamethasone injection was delayed. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier and increased iNOS expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of central pontine myelinolysis, and early treatment with dexamethasone may help prevent the development of central pontine myelinolysis.
Expression of Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 in Human Endometrial Cancer Cells and the Effect of Treatment with Tamoxifen or Buserelin
Authors: Wang L , Zheng W , Zhang S , Chen X , Hornung D
Published: February 2013

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is an important determinant of macrophage infiltration in tumours. This study investigated the effect of tamoxifen and the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist buserelin on MCP-1 in the human endometrial cancer cell line EFE-184. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to determine MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Immunoreactive MCP-1 in the cell culture media was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tamoxifen inhibited MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression in endometrial cancer cells and inhibited MCP-1 secretion in a time- and dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 10−7 to 10−5 M. Buserelin had no significant effect on MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression. These results suggest that tamoxifen directly inhibits the expression of MCP-1 in this cell line by blocking the MCP-1 signalling pathways. These findings may contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the different effects of tamoxifen and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists in the treatment of endometrial cancer.
Comparative Morphometry of the Lower Lumbar Vertebrae: Osteometry in Dry Bones and Computed Tomography Images of Patients with and without Low Back Pain
Authors: Varol T , Iyem C , Cezayirli E , Erturk M , Kayalioglu G , Hayretdag C
Published: February 2013

Various factors affect the development of the vertebral canal. The dimensions of the vertebral canal and the intervertebral foramen can be altered by these factors before or after birth. Sex differences in dimensions have also been reported. When there is a stenosis of the vertebral canal or the intervertebral foramen, neural structures confined within them can be affected easily, resulting in symptoms. Using computed tomography images, we compared vertebral canal dimensions in 100 patients with low back pain and/or radiculopathy with those in 40 healthy, non-symptomatic controls. We also measured the dimensions of 275 dry bones. We found significant correlations among the variables in the live subjects. We found significant differences between patients and controls in the variables that were measured. Stenoses were more prevalent in females. Dry bone measurements showed some sex differences, and stenosis mainly in vertebrae L4, L5 and S1.
Extract from Arca granosa L. Inhibits Proliferation of Human Tumour Cell Lines with Kidney and Lung Origin
Authors: Yao R , Han Z , Wang M , Chen S , Wang C , Han B
Published: February 2013

Marine organisms are being considered increasingly as sources of anti-tumour agents. The extract from Arca granosa L. has been shown to decrease the growth of tumours and this study was undertaken to determine its ability and mechanism of inhibition. The extract inhibited the proliferation of six human tumour cell lines from different origins with varying sensitivity. The cell lines Ketr-3, A549 and NCI-H460 with kidney or lung origins were more sensitive to the extract than those of the HepG-2, MCF-7 and MGC-803 cells from other origins. In the three sensitive cell lines (Ketr-3, A549 and NCI-H460) the extract was shown to block different phases of the cell cycle progression and inhibit DNA synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner. It was concluded that the extract from A. granosa is potentially a novel anti-tumour agent, especially on kidney and lung tumour cell lines.
Genomic Copy-number Aberrations Related to Lymph-node Metastasis of Colon Cancer
Authors: Yaginuma Y , Unotoro J , Kamiyama H , Ishido Y , Kasamaki S , Sakamoto K , Shindo T , Ishibasi Y , Kamano T
Published: February 2013

Lymph-node metastasis is an important indicator in the diagnosis of colon cancer. In order to determine the genes involved in metastasis, genomic copy-number aberrations in the primary tumours and lymph-node metastases were analysed in 12 patients using comparative genomic hybridization. This method detects genomic copy-number changes at the chromosomal level and the identification of the regions of aberration on any chromosome. Copy-number gains at 6p12 and losses at 8p12 were observed in a greater number of the primary tumours than in the metastases. These aberrations appear to be involved in lymph-node metastasis of colon cancer, and may allow measurement of the risk of lymph-node metastasis from a given colon cancer.
Unilateral Anterior Uveitis in Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Ates O , Yoruk O
Published: February 2013

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is an uncommon granulomatous condition characterized by persistent or recurrent orofacial oedema, relapsing facial paralysis and fissured tongue. We report here a case of MRS with the classical triad of signs accompanied by unilateral anterior uveitis. A 35-year-old man with a fissured tongue, recurrent facial palsy and orofacial oedema presented with a 3-month history of conjunctival redness and decreased vision in the right eye. On evaluation of visual acuity, the patient was only able to count fingers. Slit lamp examination revealed severe conjunctival injection, cells and flare, posterior synechiae and keratic precipitates. Examination of the left eye revealed no evidence of inflammation. Examination of the other systems was normal. The patient was treated with topical corticosteroids and cycloplegics and the visual acuity improved to 7/10. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of an association between uveitis and MRS.
Peri-operative Decreased cAMP Levels in Long-term Alcoholic Patients
Authors: Schoenfeld H , Franke R , von Heymann C , Doepfmer UR , Blaicher AM , Ziemer S , Spies C
Published: February 2013

Long-term alcoholic patients have a fivefold higher risk of post-operative bleeding complications compared with non-alcoholic individuals. Serotonin increases and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) decrease platelet aggregation. We examined the platelet-rich plasma levels of these substances and agonist-induced platelet aggregation in long-term alcoholic patients before and after surgery. Thirty-three consecutive patients (13 long-term alcoholics and 20 non-alcoholics) scheduled for tumour resections of the upper digestive tract were included in the study. The levels of cAMP were significantly decreased before and after surgery in long-term alcoholic patients, but there were no significant differences in cGMP and serotonin levels in alcoholic compared with non-alcoholic patients. In contrast to previous studies, no significantly altered aggregation responses in long-term alcoholics were found. A possible explanation is decreased inhibition through diminished cAMP levels; cGMP and serotonin do not seem to influence peri-operative haemostasis.
Nourkrin®: Objective and Subjective Effects and Tolerability in Persons with Hair Loss
Authors: Thom E
Published: February 2013

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of Nourkrin®, a new natural agent for the treatment of hair loss based on marine proteins, and minerals and vitamins. Fifty-five subjects with hair loss of different aetiologies participated in the 6-month blinded phase of the study. Objective assessments showed a significant positive effect of treatment on hair growth. Intake of the active preparation for a further 6 months in an open phase indicated a subjective further improvement in hair growth. Exposure of the patients previously treated with placebo to the active preparation for 12 months gave similar results. Tolerability was good and no side-effects were reported. Nourkrin® may provide an alternative to pharmacotherapy for the treatment of hair-loss problems in individuals with androgenetic alopecia.
Magnesium Sulphate Attenuates Tourniquet-induced Hypertension and Spinal c-fos mRNA Expression: A Comparison with Ketamine
Authors: Lee DH , Jee DL , Kim SY , Kim JM , Lee HM
Published: February 2013

Magnesium and ketamine are well-known N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor antagonists. The aim of this study was to determine whether magnesium, in comparison with ketamine, attenuates tourniquet-induced hypertension and spinal c- fos mRNA expression. Rats were divided into four treatment groups: normal (baseline for c- fos mRNA expression); control (saline injection); magnesium injection; and ketamine injection. Arterial blood pressure and c- fos mRNA expression at 60 min were higher in the control than in the magnesium and ketamine groups. Human patients under sevoflurane–oxygen/nitrous oxide anaesthesia were also assigned to receive similar treatments. In humans, arterial blood pressure was increased in the control group at 50 min and thereafter compared with the magnesium and ketamine groups; the magnesium and ketamine groups did not differ. Magnesium and ketamine are equally effective in attenuating tourniquet-induced hypertension and spinal c- fos mRNA expression, suggesting that this effect may be due to reduced pain transmission.
Comparison of Epidural and Combined Spinal–Epidural Analgesia in the Management of Labour without Pain
Authors: Kayacan N , Ertugrul F , Çete N , Coskunfirat N , Akar M , Karsli B , Erman M
Published: February 2013

The effects of combined spinal–epidural analgesia (CSEA) and epidural analgesia (EA) were studied in 50 healthy parturients randomly allocated to receive bupivacaine plus fentanyl either epidurally, or intrathecally and epidurally. Significant differences from baseline values were seen in systolic blood pressure at all time-points except for 4 h in the EA group and at 3 and 4 h in the CSEA group. Significant differences from baseline values were seen in diastolic blood pressure at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h in the EA group, whereas no significant differences from baseline were seen in the CSEA group. Pain scores in both groups were significantly decreased compared with baseline and all scores, except at 2h, were significantly lower in the CSEA group compared with the EA group. The duration of labour and total amount of drugs used were significantly decreased and cervical dilatation was faster with CSEA compared with EA. In conclusion, CSEA was associated with more rapid onset of analgesia and faster progress in cervical dilatation compared with EA, and can be used safely for labour analgesia.
Endocrine and Immune Effects of Dexamethasone in Unilateral Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Smith C , Erasmus PJ , Myburgh KH
Published: February 2013

The effect of acute pre-surgery dexamethasone treatment on the inflammatory immune and endocrine responses to orthopaedic surgery was investigated. Whole blood samples were obtained before and 5 days after surgery for immune analysis, and serum was obtained before and 6 h, 3 days and 5 days after surgery for endocrine assessment. Dexamethasone did not affect the post-surgery granulocyte response, but inhibited the increase in monocyte count (an average increase of 38.5% was seen in the control group). Peak C-reactive protein concentration (3 days after surgery) was 51.4% lower in the dexamethasone group than in the control group. Dexamethasone had a major effect on cortisol concentrations and the cortisol:testosterone and cortisol: dehydroepiandrosterone ratios, but no effect on anabolic hormone concentrations. In conclusion, acute pre-surgery dexamethasone treatment may have beneficial effects in the post-surgery period, by limiting the extent of systemic inflammation and the cortisol response.
A Comparison of the Efficacies of Different Pre-treatment Drugs in Resolving the Injection Pain of Rocuronium
Authors: Ertugrul F
Published: February 2013

Efficacies of pre-treatment with lidocaine, remifentanil and metoclopramide in the reduction of pain and withdrawal movements induced by rocuronium injection were evaluated. Forty-four adult patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status I–II, undergoing elective surgery were randomly assigned to four groups. Each patient received intravenously either 10 mg metoclopramide, 50 mg lidocaine, 1 μg/kg remifentanil or 3 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride (control group); followed by occlusion with a tourniquet on the forearm. After 10 s, occlusion stopped and a priming dose of 0.06 mg/kg rocuronium was injected. The patient's response to rocuronium was graded using a four-point scale in a double-blind manner. All groups had significantly lower incidences of pain compared with the control group. After loss of consciousness with sodium thiopental, 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium was administered for intubation and withdrawal movements were assessed. The number of patients in whom withdrawal movements were lowest was in the lidocaine-treated group. Although there was no difference among the study drugs in the prevention of rocuronium-induced pain, lidocaine and remifentanil seemed to be clinically more effective than metoclopramide.
High-risk End-stage Renal Disease Patients Converted from Conventional to Short Daily Haemodialysis
Authors: He Q , Chen J , Xu Y , Zhang P , Xie W , Jiang H , Yuan J
Published: February 2013

Some high-risk patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cannot tolerate or do not respond to conventional haemodialysis three times per week. Sixteen high-risk ESRD patients were converted from conventional haemodialysis to short daily haemodialysis (sDHD). This consisted of 2 h daily haemofiltration or haemodiafiltration, six times per week. The dialysis response, blood pressure change, weight variations, weekly Kt/V (a measure of the adequacy of dialysis), serum phosphorus, serum albumin, haemoglobin, cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality-of-life scales were compared before and after conversion to sDHD. sDHD improved many clinical and biological variables. Weekly Kt/V increased from 4.36 ± 0.62 on conventional haemodialysis to 4.88 ± 0.41 after switching to sDHD. Blood pressure normalized, there were significant decreases in episodes of hypotension during haemodialysis, serum phosphorus concentration, CTR and LVMI, and there were significant increases in levels of serum albumin and haemoglobin. Calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and nutritional status were improved. Physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality and mental health improved significantly.
Use of Tissue Doppler Imaging following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Boga M , Discigil G , Ozkisacik EA , Gurcun U , Badak MI , Tekten T , Discigil B
Published: February 2013

This study assessed the effect of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on myocardial systolic functions using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Fourteen patients (three women and 11 men) who had undergone isolated coronary bypass surgery were included in the study. Their mean age was 61 ± 8 years. TDI systolic velocity measures were obtained from four different sites on the left ventricular wall (anterior, septal, lateral and inferior) at the papillary muscle level in the parasternal short axis view before CABG, and then at 1 and 6 weeks post-operatively. There were significant increases in the myocardial wall velocities at all left ventricular sites 1 week after CABG. This increase persisted to week 6 after CABG, but the velocities were lower than week 1 values. We conclude that the ischaemic myocardium responded to surgical revascularization with marked increases in myocardial segmental systolic velocities in the early post-operative period.
Nifedipine, a Calcium-channel Blocker, Inhibits Advanced Glycation End-product-induced Expression of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Human Cultured Mesangial Cells
Authors: Matsui T , Yamagishi S , Nakamura K , Inoue H , Takeuchi M
Published: February 2013

The interaction between advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and their receptors mediates the progressive alteration in renal architecture and loss of renal function in diabetic nephropathy. This study investigated whether nifedipine, a widely used anti-hypertensive drug, suppresses expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a chemokine that mediates the recruitment of monocytes to inflammatory sites, in AGE-exposed human cultured mesangial cells. Cells were treated with 100 μg/ml AGE-bovine serum albumin (BSA) or non-glycated BSA in the presence or absence of 1 μM nifedipine or 50 nM diphenylene iodonium, an inhibitor of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, for 4 or 24 h. Expression of MCP-1 mRNA was measured using a semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; MCP-1 protein production was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. AGEs significantly increased both MCP-1 mRNA expression and protein production in mesangial cells; this increase was blocked by both nifedipine and diphenylene iodonium. These results suggest that nifedipine could play a protective role against early diabetic nephropathy by suppressing MCP-1 overexpression via blockade of AGE signalling in mesangial cells.
Hypocapnic Alkalosis Enhances Oxidant-induced Apoptosis of Human Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells
Authors: Ando T , Mikawa K , Nishina K , Misumi T , Obara H
Published: February 2013

Apoptosis of alveolar epithelial type II (AEC-II) cells induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to extensive alveolar damage during acute lung injury. Hypercapnic acidosis and hypocapnic alkalosis are known to modulate ROSmediated lung damage. This study assessed the effects of acid–base balance disturbances on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis of the AEC-II-like human cell line A549, which was cultured under different conditions of pH and CO2 tension (normal pH and CO2, hypercapnic acidosis, metabolic acidosis, hypocapnic alkalosis and metabolic alkalosis). H2O2-induced apoptosis was assessed by a dye-uptake bioassay and induction of caspase activity, which were quantified using analytical digital photomicroscopy. Acidosis or alkalosis of the culture medium alone did not induce A549 cell apoptosis. Hypocapnic alkalosis significantly increased H2O2-induced apoptosis and caspase activation of A549 cells. Metabolic alkalosis non-significantly increased H2O2-induced A549 cell apoptosis and caspase activation. These data suggest that hypocapnic alkalosis intensifies oxidative-induced apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells.
Apolipoprotein E and First-ever Ischaemic Stroke in Greek Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Giassakis G , Veletza S , Papanas N , Heliopoulos I , Piperidou H
Published: February 2013

The association between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism and stroke is still controversial. This study investigated the potential association between ApoE genotypes and stroke subtypes, and risk factors for ischaemic stroke in Greek patients hospitalized with their first-ever ischaemic stroke. One hundred patients (70 men and 30 women; mean age ± SD 60.7 ± 9.8 years) were included in the study. The control group comprised 96 age-and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Cerebral infarction was classified as atherothrombotic, cardio-embolic or lacunar small-vessel stroke. The three common ApoE alleles (E2, E3 and E4) were determined using the seminested polymerase chain reaction. No significant difference in the ApoE alleles was found between patients and controls. Similarly, there was no significant association between ApoE alleles and stroke subtypes, common risk factors for ischaemic stroke and neck vessel stenosis. Although the sample size was small, these results do not support a role for ApoE polymorphism in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke.
Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis and Its Relationship to the Immune Response
Authors: Ozkan TB , Sahin E , Erdemir G , Budak F
Published: February 2013

We evaluated the effect of Saccharomyces boulardii administration in otherwise healthy children aged between 6 months and 10 years who were admitted for acute diarrhoea (15 males, 12 females). The patients were randomized into two groups: group 1 ( n = 16) received 250 mg S. boulardii dissolved in 5 ml of water orally twice daily for 7 days and group 2 ( n = 11) received placebo. Clinical and laboratory assessments were performed on admission and on day 7 of follow-up. Both groups experienced reduced daily stool frequency, the decrease being significantly greater in group 1 on days 3 and 4 compared with group 2. Group 1 demonstrated significant increases in serum immunoglobulin A and decreases in C-reactive protein levels on day 7. The percentage of CD8 lymphocytes on day 7 was significantly higher in group 1 than group 2. This study confirmed the efficacy of S. boulardii in paediatric acute gastroenteritis and the findings suggest that S. boulardii treatment enhances the immune response.
The Efficacy of Intrathecal Morphine in Post-thoracotomy Pain Management
Authors: Askar FZ , Kocabas S , Yucel S , Samancilar O , Cetin HY , Uyar M
Published: February 2013

This study compared the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal (IT) morphine plus IV patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine with IV PCA morphine alone in 33 patients undergoing thoracotomy randomized to two groups: the IT morphine group ( n = 17) received 10 μg/kg morphine 1 h before the end of surgery, while the control group ( n = 16) did not. All patients had access to an IV PCA pump post-operatively that delivered 2 mg morphine boluses. Post-operative pain and sedation scores, respiratory and haemodynamic parameters, and morphine demand and delivery were assessed up to 48 h. Post-operative pain scores and morphine consumption were significantly reduced, while peak expiratory flow rates were significantly increased in the IT morphine group compared with controls. We concluded that IT morphine in addition to IV PCA established superior analgesia and maintained better respiratory function compared with IV PCA alone in post-thoracotomy patients.
Sex Influences on the Penetrance of IL-1β and IL-1RN Genotypes for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Chinese Population
Authors: You C-G , Yin Y-S , Xie X-D , Ju J , Wang Z-P , Chen Y-R
Published: February 2013

Polymorphism (variable number of tandem repeats) in the second intron of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ( IL-1Ra) gene and two single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions −511 and +3954 of the IL-1β gene may be associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study used sex stratification to investigate a correlation of the three genetic polymorphisms with the risk of RA, on patients with RA and healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) were performed. The frequencies of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele and genotype in female patients were significantly different compared with the controls; but in males, only the frequency of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele was different. The frequency of the IL-1RN genotype in patients was not statistically different compared with the controls; however, the frequency of IL-1RN allele in female patients was different. The association of the three polymorphisms with the susceptibility to RA appears to be significantly affected by gender.