bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Embolization for Meningioma Using Lipiodol
Authors: Yasui K. , Shoda Y. , Suyama T. , Numa Y. , Amanouchi Y.Y. , Kawamoto K.
Published: January 2017

Four patient (3 males, 1 female) with meningioma treated by preoperative embolization using lipiodol since January 1997 were included in this study. Almost the same procedure was performed on them; superselective catheterization into feeders from the external carotid artery, slow infusion of lipiodol, and proximal occlusion with liquid coils. Duration between embolization and direct surgery varied (5–13 days). Three meningiomas resected 5 days after the embolization were successful but one resected after 13 days needed transfusion. Post operative complications were seen in two patients, one is lockjaw due to ischaemia of the temporal muscles, and the other is transient dilatation of perifocal oedema. The ischaemic effect and safety of lipiodol as embolic material are discussed.
Evaluation of Intra-Aneurysmal Blood Flow: Investigation of the Flow in Experimental Aneurysms
Authors: Asakura F. , Tenjin H. , Matsumoto K. , Ueda S.
Published: January 2017

We evaluated the flow in experimental pig aneurysms using a high speed video system with tracer particles and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We found that flow velocity in experimental aneurysms was fast on the inflow of aneurysms.

There was a certain correlation between mean transit time (MTT) and velocity in experimental aneurysms. Therefore, the differences of flow velocity in aneurysms will be detected using DSA.

The flow in aneurysms was much changed by platinum coil embolization.
Spontaneous Dissecting Pseudoaneurysm of the Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery: Endovascular Treatment with a Palmaz Stent
Authors: Deguchi J. , Nagasawa S. , Tanaka H. , Suzuki S. , Hirota Y. , Ohta T.
Published: January 2017

This case illustrates the usefulness of an endovascular stent to treat a pseudoaneurysm of the cervical internal carotid artery. A 46-year-old male patient presented with a spontaneous dissection of the cervical internal carotid artery. After failing conservative therapy, he was treated by endovascular placement of a Palmaz stent at level of the pseudoaneurysm and dissection.

Immediate obliteration of pseudoaneurysm was achieved, and patency of the internal carotid artery was maintained. The patient sustained no neurological complications and the stenosis of treated carotid artery did not occur during the 6-month follow-up period.

For internal carotid artery dissection, stent placement seems to be a reasonable therapeutic alternative to direct surgery.
Vein-Loaded Stent System to Occlude Wide-Necked Aneurysms
Authors: Okamoto T. , Iwakoshi T. , Negoro M. , Miyachi S. , Bundou M. , Yoshida J.
Published: January 2017

We devised a vein-loaded stent system to immediately close the aneurysmal orifice without interrupting the parent arterial flow. Ten experimental wide-necked aneurysms located on canine common carotid arteries were treated with the implantation of a newly modified vein-loaded stent system. After deploying the stent, half of them were managed under administration of 50 mg of ticlopidine hydrochloride per day and the other half followed up without any anticoagulation therapy. Immediately after the stent placement, all aneurysms were completely obliterated with patency of the parent artery in the successfully implanted vessels in both groups.

Follow-up angiography one week later disclosed complete occlusion of the aneurysm with patency of the parent artery in 67% (2/3) of the group with ticlopidine, while none of the group without drugs showed patency of the parent artery. The rate of patency of the parent artery was found to be improved by administration of ticlopidine, but was still lower than that of a conventional stent. Further modifications will be needed before clinical use.
Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms: Surgical, Endovascular or Combined Intervention
Authors: Sano H. , Kato Y. , Singh F.B. , Kanaoka N. , Shankar K. , Katada K. , Kanno T.
Published: January 2017

A retrospective study of 437 cases of cerebral aneurysms over a 4 year period is reported. Surgical clipping was performed in 322 cases (254 ruptured and 68 incidental aneurysms) and endovascular embolization was done in 50 cases (26 ruptured and 24 incidental aneurysms). No intervention (either surgical or endovascular) was performed in 65 patients. In the direct surgical treatment group, mortality was 1.5% in incidental and 9.8% in ruptured aneurysms and good recovery was seen in 98.5% and 74.8% cases respectively.

In the endovascular intervention group, results were poor due to the severity of their neurological grading and older age. Mortality was 42.3% in ruptured and 4.2% in incidental aneurysms. Six out of 26 ruptured and 11 out 24 incidental aneurysm patients had complications in the endovascular treatment group. We have discussed the results and indications for both modes of treatment in our study.
Coil Embolization of Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Nemoto S. , Iwama J. , Mayanagi Y. , Kirino T.
Published: January 2017

Coil embolization was performed in 86 cerebral aneurysm patients using two types of detachable platinum coils, IDC (Interlocking detachable coil) and GDC (Guglielmi electrical detachable coil). Results of IDC and GDC were compared. The occlusion rate of the aneurysm sac was similar. Coil compaction occurred frequent and early in cases with GDC. As clinical outcome, 94% of the patients in both group obtained good results. No bleeding or rebleeding occurred in the follow-up with IDC or GDC.
Efficacy of Palmaz Stent Deployment for Subclavian Artery Stenosis
Authors: Nakagawa H. , Kichikawa K. , Fukusumi A. , Takayama K. , Higashiura W. , Kubota Y. , Nakane M. , Taoka T. , Iwasaki S. , Ohishi H. , Uchida H. , Sakaki T.
Published: January 2017

Percutaneous angioplasty is a useful method for improvement of posterior circulation of the brain in subclavian artery stenosis and occlusion. Recently, the Palmaz stent was introduced for peripheral vessels stenosis. We evaluated the efficacy and care point of Palmaz stent deployment for subclavian artery stenosis in seven cases (5 stenosis and 2 occlusion) with symptoms and a mean age of 65.1 years. The stents could be deployed exactly at the stenotic region in all cases.

The pressure gradient disappeared in all cases, and the clots were fixed between vessel wall and stent. Antegrade circulation and significant clinical symptoms improvement were obtained in all cases. In angioplasty of subclavian artery stenosis, as compared with balloon angioplasty alone, Palmaz stent is a very useful device with fewer complications including distal thrombosis of the vertebrobasilar circulation.
The “Over the Core Wire” Technique for Detachable Coil Retrieval
Authors: Abe T. , Hirohata M. , Tanaka N. , Kojima K. , Fujimoto K. , Nishimura H. , Shigemori M. , Hayabuchi N. , Norbash A.M.
Published: January 2017

We report four cases of malpositioned detachable coil retrieval. In all cases, the malpositioned coils were retrieved without additional neurological deficits. The stretched core wire was grasped with a fixed-loop snare (Gooseneck microsnare), and the detachable coil was retrieved using an over the core wire technique with a hydrophilic microcatheter.
Separate Origin of the Left Internal and External Carotid Artery from the Aortic Arch Associated with Contralateral Intracranial Giant Aneurysm
Authors: Warschewske G. , Benndorf G.
Published: January 2017

One of the rare anomalies of the common carotid artery is the separate origin of the internal and external carotid artery. We present the case of a patient who was admitted to hospital for cerebral angiography to exclude an intracranial aneurysm.

The DSA revealed a giant aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery and separate origins of external and internal carotid arteries from the aortic arch. To our best knowledge no similar case has previously been reported.
Stenting Treatment for Intra- and Extra-Cranial Atherosclerotic Diseases
Authors: Mori T. , Kazita K. , Chokyu K. , Mori K.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect, safety and short-term outcome of stenting treatment for extra- and intra-cranial atherosclerotic diseases. Forty-one patients underwent stenting treatment using coronary and biliary stents.

Eleven patients had tubular or diffuse high-grade stenoses not amenable to standard balloon angioplasty involving intra-cranial arteries, while in thirty, extra-cranial arteries were involved. Stents were successfully implanted in 36 out of 41 lesions (88%) with 2% (1/41) of overall procedural morbidity rate. Procedural and clinical success rate of intra-cranial stent placement was 64% (7/11) and no complications occurred during or after intra-cranial stent placement: the morbidity rate was 0%. Hyperperfusion injury occurred in two patients after successful implantation of stents in subtotal occlusion of the internal carotid artery, and consequently the overall clinical success rate was 80% (33/41).

Restenosis occurred in four (12%) out of 33 patients who underwent six month follow-up arteriography. No ischemic attacks or stent-deformation occurred during follow-up after stenting treatment. For lesions not amenable to standard balloon angioplasty, endovascular stent placement seems to be a safe and effective treatment of modality.
Initial and Long-term Results and Peri-Procedural Complication in 35 Extracranial Stentings
Authors: Matushita K. , Akai F. , Yokoi Y. , Aoki A. , Taneda M.
Published: January 2017

We undertook stent-supported angioplasty for 35 lesions of extracranial stenosis in 31 patients from May 1996 to October 1998. We succeeded in the stenting at the predetermined sites of all lesions and excellent initial results were obtained. The mean % stenosis decreased from 81% to 7.1% after stenting. Four patients had neurological complications related to the procedure. There were two transient ischemic attacks (one in carotid and one in vertebral stenting), and permanent deficits occurred in two patients treated for carotid stenosis.

In carotid stenting, we observed long-term patency for over six months in all 17 patients (18 lesions). Mean angiographic, asymptomatic restenosis was 20% and 21% at three and six months, respectively (range, 4 to 38 %). No further stenosis was observed the reaper. Deformity of the stents were not noted in any patient.

In vertebral stenting, four out of nine cases revealed significant restenosis between three and six months later, while these were dilated by repeated PTA. On strict definition of indication or application of a cerebral protection, stent- supported angioplasty is an effective method for the treatment of extracranial stenotic lesions.
Endovascular Treatment of Unruptured Vertebro-basilar Aneurysms
Authors: Miyachi S. , Negoro M. , Okamoto T. , Suzuki O. , Yoshida J.
Published: January 2017

We reviewed 201 unruptured vertebro-basilar aneurysms encountered at our institute and 35 affiliated hospitals over the past 8 years. Of these, 106 aneurysms in 103 patients were treated with surgical or endovascular approaches: 43 aneurysms, surgically with clipping or wrapping; and 63 endovascularly with embolization. Outcome was excellent or good in 87 patients (84.5%). Among 24 patients with 36 complications, 16 had unfavorable outcomes including five deaths. Twelve patients (27.9%) with surgical treatment and two (3.3%) with endovascular treatment had unfavorable results because of treatment-related complications. Two patients with surgical treatment had complications related to perioperative management. Vascular occlusive complications were likeliest to occur in surgically treated basilar artery aneurysms (41%). Among surgically treated aneurysms the vertebral artery site was relatively associated with cranial nerve injuries. Complications numbered 36, occurring in 24 patients and 54% of complications affected outcome. Overall morbidity and mortality of surgical treatment were 18.6% and 7.0%, respectively, while those of endovascular treatment were 5.0% and 3.3%.

In conclusion, complications of surgery tend to be serious and affect outcome, and endovascular treatment is safer than surgical for vertebro-basilar aneurysms. Embolizations are particularly advantageous for patients who are poor surgical risks.
Embolization of Non-Ruptured Aneurysms
Authors: Dowd C.F. , Phatouros C.C. , Malek A.M. , Lempert T.E. , Meyers P.M. , Halbach V.V. , Higashida R.T.
Published: January 2017

Options for treatment of intracranial aneurysms have expanded with the advent of the Guglielmi Detachable Cod (GDC) eight years ago. We have reviewed 435 cases of intracranial aneurysms treated at UCSF by endovascular means using the GDC system. Of these, 55% represent anterior circulation aneurysms, and 45% are located in the posterior circulation. Additionally, 55% of the aneurysms presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and 45% were unruptured. Factors which hindered optimal coiling include the following: wide aneurysm neck in relation to the overall aneurysm size, mural thrombus, giant aneurysm, arteries originating from the aneurysm sac, and middle cerebral location. After initial experience was gained, we tended to avoid these aneurysms especially in the non-ruptured group. This may be especially important in light of new epidemiological data suggesting that the natural history of unruptured aneurysms is significantly lower than previously thought.

New technical developments which may reduce the risk of treating unruptured aneurysms include the two-dimensional coil, the three-dimensional coil, the balloon-assist technique for wide-necked aneurysms, and combined stent-coil procedures.
Embolization of Scalp AVF
Authors: Yokouchi T. , Iwabuchi S. , Tomiyama A. , Samejima H. , Ogata N. , Goto K.
Published: January 2017

We report scalp arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in which we performed embolization and examine the treatment method. The subjects were four cases of scalp AVF treated by embolization. All cases were male and three had a past history of scalp injury. As the feeding artery, we found a single artery in one case and multiple arteries in three cases. In three cases we employed a transarterial approach by cutting down the scalp and embolized the fistula with NBCA (N-butyl-cyanoacrylate).

We conducted the embolization procedure as follows in order to securely occlude the fistula; 1) we obtained the precise location of fistula by the superselective angiography; 2) we induced the tip of microcatheter to immediately in front of fistula; 3) when high flow shunt was manifested, we controlled the flow by retaining the balloon catheter in the external carotid artery; 4) and injected NBCA by compressing around the fistula from above the scalp with a cylindrical instrument to prevent the migration of embolic material to the venous side.

As a result, all cases were completely cured and there was no major complication except for transient postoperative pain. If the transfemoral approach to fistula is impossible, it is considered effective to cut down near the fistula and embolize the scalp AVF by direct puncture to the feeding artery with NBCA as embolic material.
Effectiveness and Pitfall of Embolization of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Miyachi S. , Negoro M. , Okamoto T. , Suzuki O. , Yoshida J.
Published: January 2017

We studied the course of perisurgical complications of 66 AVMs and discussed the approapriate precautions. Of 66 patients with AVMs, 14 underwent postembolization surgical removal, and 43 underwent radiosurgery. Four patients were cured with total occlusion of their AVM by embolization alone. 48 patients achieved a more than 70% occlusion of the nidus. We observed 12 complications including 3 permanent and 9 temporary. Four complications occurred immediately after the embolization due to overembolization or thromboembolism, and 7 were observed several hours later which might have been caused by retrograde thrombosis or a chemical reaction to the glue. While presurgical embolization deep-seated feeders must be embolized along with fistulous or high-flow feeders, 4 cases of 2nd embolization following radiosurgery showed that meningeal feeders developed or recanalized in cases embolized with absorbable particles. Thus, preradiosurgically, fistulous and meningeal feeders should be treated, and the nidus must be packed with embolic materials with no risk of recanalization. Successful nidus packing performed in 10 AVMs yielded a further nidus reduction before radiosurgery. The intranidal aneurysms which pose a high risk of rebleeding were also embolized.

In order to avoid complications in the embolization of AVM, the angioarchitecture, hemodynamics and the relationship to brain function should be well recognized by preoperative functional imaging and superselective angiograms, and adequate embolic materials should be properly injected. As an embolization strategy, the priority of the target feeders should depend on the treatment to follow, and aggressive embolization of risky feeders or causing abrupt hemodynamic change should be avoided.
Endovascular Treatment for Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms in Acute Stage
Authors: Ueno J. , Sugiyama K. , Naitou H. , Hirota N. , Karasawa S. , Kin H.
Published: January 2017

Since the introduction of endovascular embolization with Guglielmi Detachable Coils (GDC)1–3in April 1997, we have performed 56 endovascular treatments for ruptured cerebral aneurysms in the acute stage based on our definition of candidates for this modality. Overall outcomes are as follows. 1) Rebleeding within one year was limited to one case (2.5%). 2) Vasospasm occurrences: four cases (7.1%) infarction and three cases (5.4%) as transient ischemia. 3) H&K Grade IV; 60% of cases resulted in improved outcomes. 4) H&K Grade II: One case of rupture during an operation. 5) Three out of five older subjects (over 80 years old) resulted in GR or MD.

In this study, we reviewed endovascular embolization in acute stage in terms of candidates and technical problems.
Chemokines and Their Role in Parasitic Diseases
Authors: Frydas S. , Karagouni E. , Papadopoulos E. , Hatzistilianou M. , Pappas S. , Papaioannou N.
Published: January 2017

Chemotactic cytokines (chemokines), the intercellular mediators, produced and released by a wide variety of cell types, are a group of small secreted proteins (8–10 KDa), which mediate host response to invading organisms (viruses, bacteria, parasites), trauma or tumor. The trafficking, recruiting and recirculation of leukocytes, which is essential in acute and chronic inflammation is controlled by chemokines. This review introduces the three supergene families of chemokines (CXC, CC and C), with emphasis on their adhesion mechanism, biological effects, regulation of expression and critical role in different disease states in humans and in animal models with parasitic diseases.
The Effects of Human Recombinant Il-1β on Rat Hepatic and Renal Cytochrome P450-Mediated Monooxygenase Activities
Authors: Sibiryak S.V. , Simbirtsev A.S. , Akhmatov A.T. , Sibiryak D.S.
Published: January 2017

The effects of human recombinant IL-1β (BETALEUKIN) (6 × 104 – 6 × 106 U/Kg, intraperitoneally, single dose) on liver histology and cytochrome P450 (CYP450s)-mediated hepatic and renal monooxygenase activities were studied in adult male rats. rIL-1β (24 h after treatment) caused proinflammatory changes in liver histology in a dose-dependent manner which were the focal areas of hepatocellular dystrophy, perivascular polymorphonuclear cells infiltration, erythrocytes diapedesis, Kupffer cells and hepatocytes proliferation. Treatment with the rIL-1β caused the dose-dependent depression of the hepatic and renal CYP1A1/2-mediated ethoxyresorufin- O-deethylation (EROD), however showed variable effects of the CYP2E1-mediated p-nitrophenol hydroxylation (PNPH) and CYP3A-mediated erythromycin- N-demethylation (ERND). The hepatic PNPH activity was suppressed by the rIL-1β in doses of 6 × 106 U/kg and 6 × 104 U/Kg, and renal p-nitrophenol hydroxylation was suppressed only in a dose of 3 × 105 U/Kg. The hepatic ERND activity was up regulated after the rIL-1β treatment (3 × 105 U/Kg – 6 × 105), and the renal ERND activity was suppressed in a dose of 3 × 105 U/Kg. It is important that the possible effects of cytokines on individual CYP450s are characterized, so that concurrent drug therapy can be managed efficiently and pharmacokinetic interaction be avoided.
Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Ilonidis G. , Anogianakis G. , Agorastos J. , Koumpoudis P. , Anogeianaki A. , Trakatelli C. , Trakatelli M. , Arvanitakis C.
Published: January 2017

Pulmonary complications have been described in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate bronchial hyppersponsiveness (BHR) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Fifteen patients (8 men, 7 women, mean age: 42.20 ± 12.20 years) participated in the study. None of the patients had a prior history of respiratory disease or suffered from other systematic disease. Skin prick tests for common allergens (such as pollens, mites, foods and moulds) were administered to all patients of the study. The control group included 15 healthy volunteers (10 men, 5 women, mean age: 40.33 ± 5.06 years). The skin tests showed that 3 of 15 patients with inflammatory bowel disease were sensitive to common allergens (two patients to mix grasses and one to D. Pteronysinnus). In the control group, one subject was sensitive to D. Pteronysinnus. BHR was estimated after methacholine challenge. The frequency of BHR among the patients with inflammatory bowel disease was 7 of 15 (46.60%), compared with only one in the control group who was positive at the maximum dosage of methacholine (16 mg/dl). Our results indicate that there is an increased frequency of BHR in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Focal Cerebral Infarction in Newborn: Description of Three Cases
Authors: Domizio S. , Sabatino G.M.D. , Albanese A. , Barbante E. , Puglielli C. , Di Giannantonio M. , Quartesan R. , Domizio R. , Sabatino G.
Published: January 2017

We observed 3 full-term newborns with focal ischemic injury of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), in which diagnosis of MCA stroke was suspected by US and confirmed by CT scan and MRI. A four-year follow-up was carried out to study the effect of neonatal stroke on neurodevelopmental outcome. All children had a history of pre-perinatal risk factors: neonatal cerebral infarction in term infants, in fact, has many possible causes, including bacterial meningitis, inherited or acquired coagulopathies, trauma and hypoxia-ischemia. The prognosis of neonatal MCA infarction depends on early diagnosis, on the CNS plasticity mechanism and, finally, on medical therapy and neuropsychological rehabilitation.
Could Chlamydia Pneumoniae Be Considered an Infectious Risk Factor for Inflammatory Diseases Such as Atherosclerosis ?
Authors: Sessa R. , Di Pietro M. , Schiavoni G. , Santino I. , Del Piano M.
Published: January 2017

Chlamydia pneumoniae, a Gram-negative intracellular obligate bacteria, is recognised as a common cause of upper respiratory tract infections, and accounts for ∼10% of community-acquired pneumonia. In recent years, chronic and persistent infection with C. pneumoniae has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is regarded as a chronic inflammatory disease that results from complex interactions between a variety of cell types such as endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, monocytes/macrophages and inflammatory mediators. Involvement of C. pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been supported by findings from seroepidemiologic studies, direct detection of chlamydial DNA, experimental animal and in vitro studies, and antibiotic intervention trials. The spectrum of cell biological, animal, and human clinical data suggests that C. pneumoniae may be considered an infectious risk factor for atherosclerosis but further studies are needed to clarify the etiopathogenetic role of C. pneumoniae in atherosclerotic vessel walls.
Impaired Natural Killer Cell Activity Associates with Increased Susceptibility to Inflammation Induced by Herpesvirus Infection in Patients with Nickel Hypersensitivity
Authors: Salsano F. , Francia C. , Proietti A.R. , Proietti M. , Roumpedaki E. , Mastronardo F. , Pierdominici M. , Pisarri S. , Giovannetti A.
Published: January 2017

Nickel (Ni) is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and the number one allergen in the frequency of positive patch test reactions. The cellular basis of ACD is the lack of specialized T cells with regulatory function allowing for the expansion of Ni[Formula: see text] specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. However, Ni also exerts a number of not yet fully understood activities on cells belonging to the immune system. To this regard, an immunosuppressive activity of Ni on natural killer (NK) cells has been repeatedly suggested both in animal models and humans. Here we demonstrate that NK activity of Ni[Formula: see text] intolerant patients was significantly lower than observed in controls. Moreover, the addition of Ni[Formula: see text] sulphate to cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) obtained by Ni[Formula: see text] allergic patients, further depressed the NK cell activity. Finally, according to the key role exerted by NK cells in containing viral infections, we found an increased frequency of Herpesvirus 1 (HSV-1) recurrence among patients with Ni[Formula: see text] allergy. In conclusion, our results indicate that Ni[Formula: see text] allergic patients may present reduced NK cell response, this resulting in turn in increased susceptibility to viral infections. Patch testing should be considered in individuals affected by unexplained recurrences of HSV-1 infection.
Chronic Liver Diseases and Parenterally Transmitted Hepatitis Viruses
Authors: Ivanova L. , Russev V.
Published: January 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) are the leading cause of chronic liver diseases. The aims of the present study are to determine the etiological relationship of HBV and HCV in patients with chronic liver disease in North-Eastern Bulgaria and prevalence of dual and triple infections. A total of 434 patients were investigated for HBsAg, 402 of whom were also tested for anti-HCV. The HBsAg positive subjects were tested for anti-HDV and 32 of them also for HbeAg/anti-Hbe. Separated commercial ELISA kits were used. HBsAg was detected in 132 (30.4%); 10.6% were co-infected with HDV. Anti-HCV was detected in 15.4%. Five of 132 HbsAg positive patients (3.78%) were simultaneously HBV and HCV positive. Two patients out of 132 (1.52%) were positive to HBV, HCV and HDV. Our data indicate that HBV infection was the main cause of chronic liver diseases in North-Eastern Bulgaria, and 10.6% of the patients suffered from severe disease because of co-infection with HDV. HCV plays the same role in 15.4% of the cases. Recently, we observed dually infected (HBV and HCV) and triple infected (HBV, HCV, HDV) patients suffering from severe chronic liver diseases.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia in a Premenopausal Woman: Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescence Analysis
Authors: Athanasiadis G.I. , Athanasiou E. , Bobos M. , Pfab F. , Athanasiadis I.E.
Published: January 2017

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) was first described in 1994 and is considered a variant of lichen planopilaris in a patterned distribution that primarily affects postmenopausal women. Cicatricial alopecia of the frontoparietal hairline is characteristic; the affected area appears as a shiny, bandlike zone of incomplete hair loss with skin-coloured small hyperkeratotic papules. We describe a case of a premenopausal woman with this rare disease. To date there are very few reports of FFA in premenopausal women. The immunohistochemical investigation with lymphocytic markers (CD4, CD8, CD20, CD45RA, CD57) revealed CD8 positive lymphocytes penetrating the follicular epithelium. Direct immunofluorescence showed clumped deposition of IgM along the follicular basement membrane zone.
Acute Leukemia and Pregnancy
Authors: Karagiannis V. , Daniilidis A. , Klearhoy N. , Mamopoulos A. , Garipidou V. , Vakalopoulou S. , Zaboulis H.
Published: January 2017

The combination of acute leukemia and pregnancy is infrequent. It is estimated to occur in less than 1 in 75,000 pregnancies. Maternal and fetal outcomes have improved substantially in recent years. In general, multi-agent chemotherapy is given as soon as the diagnosis of leukemia is established, even if it is in the first trimester. There are two important considerations in the management of a patient with leukemia during pregnancy, the mother who needs optimal cancer therapy and the developing fetus who could potentially be affected by the disease and/or the teratogenicity of antineoplactic agents. Vaginal delivery is preferable, and caesarian section is reserved for obstetrical indications only.
Clinical and Laboratory Investigation of Experimental Acute Pancreatitis in the Cat
Authors: Zavros N.S. , Rallis T.S. , Koutinas A.F. , Vlemmas I. , Adamama-Moraitou K.K. , Steiner J.M. , Williams D.A. , Papazoglou L.G. , Brellou G.D. , Patsikas M.N.
Published: January 2017

The main objective of this study is the serial evaluation of clinical and laboratory changes in cats with experimentally-induced acute pancreatitis (AP). A total of 16 clinically healthy young adult DSH cats were included in the study. Acute pancreatitis was induced in 10 (AP group) by infusing oleic acid into the pancreatic duct, while the other 6 cats served as sham-operated controls (C group). Depression or lethargy, anorexia, abdominal pain, and a palpable mass in the anterior abdomen were the main clinical findings in cats of the AP group. Laboratory data revealed non-regenerative anaemia, mild hypoalbuminaemia, transient hyperglycaemia, and hypertriglyceridaemia. Serum lipase activity, feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) concentration, and feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) concentration increased significantly within the first 24 hours after the infusion of oleic acid, with time-dependent positive correlation. In both group of cats urine amylase-creatinine ratio and amylase-creatinine clearance ratio were increased. In cats of the AP group, abdominal ultrasonography revealed a hypoechogenic and enlarged pancreas, along with peripancreatic fluid accumulation. Peritoneal effusion was consistent with a sterile exudate, with higher lipase but lower amylase activities when compared to their serum counterparts in all AP group cats. The induction of AP was confirmed by pancreatic histopathology. AP is characterized by vague symptomatology. Increases in serum fTLI and fPLI concentrations occur early in cats with pancreatitis. In general the two analytes run a parallel course, but fPLI may be increased longer than fTLI. The measurement of lipase activity in the peritoneal fluid could be considered diagnostic.
Effect of Glucocorticoid and Melatonin on Immune Function of an Indian Tropical Bird, Perdicula Asiatica: An in Vivo and in Vitro Study
Authors: Singh S.S. , Yadav S.K. , Haldar C.
Published: January 2017

Inverse relationship between circulatory levels of glucocorticoids and melatonin has been reported for most of the vertebrates including human beings. We report the importance of glucocorticoid along with melatonin in avian immune regulation in an Indian tropical bird, Perdicula asiatica with in vivo and in vitro approach. Dexamethasone (30μg/bird/day) treatment of the male birds suppressed the immune activity as judged by the spleen activity (mass, anatomy), circulating total leukocyte, and lymphocyte count, blastogenic response, increased % apoptosis and cytokine (IL-2) production by splenocytes. Melatonin (25μg/100g B.wt./day) treatment increased the above-mentioned immune parameters whereas melatonin together with dexamethasone restored the suppressed immune parameters by dexamethasone to control level. In vitro melatonin (2.5 pM) supplementation to splenocyte cultures restored the dexamethasone (2 μM) suppressed splenocyte proliferation, % apoptosis and IL-2 production. Therefore, melatonin antagonized the suppressive effect of synthetic glucocorticoid on all immune parameters studied in vivo as well as in vitro. Furthermore, exogenous administration of dexamethasone and melatonin treatment altered the circulatory level of corticosterone and melatonin in an inverse manner. It is therefore, suggested that a hormonal trade-off between glucocorticoid and melatonin exists under in vivo and in vitro conditions, being involved in maintenance of the immune function of P. asiatica probably by involving cytokines i.e. IL-2 mediated pathway.
Interdisciplinary Factors of Neuropathology in Schizophrenia
Authors: Conti C.M.V. , Fulcheri M.
Published: January 2017

In the etymology of schizophrenia, the genetic component seems to play an essential role. Studies have shown more than 130 genes of susceptibility for schizophrenia: the majority of these studies, however, has yet to be confirmed- they are searching for more definition on the relevant functions of the genetic variation of schizophrenia. Recent studies suggest that a cluster of candidate genes in the interconnected network pathways are implicated in transmission of the glutamate the plasticity of the synapses, in oxidative stress, myelination and the profitability of oligodendrocytes. Previous neuropathological studies on schizophrenia did not identify specific neurodegenerative characteristics of this disease. Scientific evidence suggests that the physiopathology of schizophrenia involves alterations of the intracellular transmission pathway, those which are associated with reduced cerebral volume in some structures of white and gray matter. In particular, in schizophrenia, a reduction of medium cerebral volume has been observed, as has a reduction of the cortical regional volumes with reference to the frontal, temporal, and parietal areas of the brain - this is all in addition to a reduction of the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, and the cerebellum. The cytoarchitectonic alterations in schizophrenia may be an expression of the pathology's processing, as are axonal damage and loss, reduction of myelination, and loss of neuropil. These all contribute to the reduction of the volume of the cerebral parenchima, and the corresponding augmentation of the cerebral spinal fluid. The inheritance of schizophrenia may appear high/elevated, but not a certain eventuality. In analysis of subtype specifics. However, this statistics remains significant in all studies. The role of the environmental factors in the development of schizophrenia is highlighted by studies which have been conducted on monozygotic patients affected by schizophrenia. While their genetic code is 100% similar, that is to say, entirely identical, one of the pair can be diagnosed as schizophrenic, while the other of the monozygotic pair has the 50% of the possibility not to contract schizophrenia. It is well known that genetic and environmental factors influence multiple aspects of human behavior, they can increase the susceptibility towards a mental disturbance. The reciprocal effects of these factors are placed in two distinct and diverse categories: gene environment interaction, which expresses the terminal genetic variations of susceptibility to environmental risk, and environmental gene correlations, where the genetic variability can increase or reduce the likelihood of the exposure to environmental determinant risk, includes early stressful events of life.
PGD2, IL-1-Family Members and Mast Cells
Authors: Anogeianaki A. , Castellani M.L. , Tripodi D. , Felaco P. , Toniato E. , De Lutiis M.A. , Fulcheri M. , Tetè S. , Galzio R. , Salini V. , Caraffa A. , Antinolfi P. , Frydas I. , Sabatino G. , Shaik-Dasthagirisaheb Y.B. , Sharma Jagdish N.
Published: January 2017

Cytokines are immunomodulatory and inflammatory compounds produced by many different cell types. The IL-1 family consists of at least eleven cytokines including IL-18 and IL-13 and are essential to the host defence against severe infections and mediate inflammation. IL-18 also enhances tumour rejection and has high capacity to augment the cytotoxicity of NK cells and T cells. IL-33 stimulates basophils and mast cells to produce cytokines and histamine independently of IgE. Mast cells play a crucial role in the development of allergy through the cross-linking of their surface receptors for IgE leading to degranulation and inflammation. Activated mast cells induce the generation of PGD2, detectable in 2–15 minutes after challenge, and LTC4. Here we review the interrelationship between PGD2, IL-1 family members and mast cells.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor 3-Isobutyl-1-Methyl-Xanthine Affects Ovarian Morphology and Stimulates Reproduction in Rabbits
Authors: Sirotkin A.V. , Chrenek P. , Pivko J. , Balazi A. , Makarevich A.V.
Published: January 2017

The aim of our study is to examine the influence of administration of 3-isobutyl-l-methyl-xanthine (IBMX), inhibitor of cAMP and cGMP phosphodiesterases on ovarian functions (folliculogenesis, atresia and luteogenesis), as well as on some reproductive parameters in rabbits whose ovarian cycle and ovulation was induced by gonadotropins. Ovarian cycle and ovulation of control rabbits were induced by PMSG followed by hCG administration. Experimental animals received 20IU/kg PMSG and 35IU/kg hCG together with IBMX (at 5, 25 or 50 μg/animal). After ovulation and mating, the animals were sacrificed. Histological slides of ovaries were prepared, and the presence of follicles and different stages of luteinisation and atresia were evaluated by light microscopy. The pronuclear stage eggs were flushed out from the oviducts and cultured up to blastocyst cell stage. Numbers of ovarian Corpora lutea, ovulated oocytes and oocyte-derived embryos reaching blastocyst stage were determined. Administration of IBMX was able to increase the proportion of luteinised follicles. Furthermore, IBMX treatment promoted occurrence of atresia in the remaining follicles after the gonadotropin treatment. Finally, IBMX increased the number of Corpora lutea, number of harvested zygotes and embryos at blastocyst stage derived from these zygotes after culture. These data demonstrate that IBMX can enhance the stimulatory effect of gonadotropins on the rabbit ovarian follicle luteinisation, atresia, ovulation, zygote and embryo yield and development. Furthermore, they confirm the involvement of cyclic nucleotide-dependent intracellular mechanisms in the control of rabbit reproductive functions and potential practical usefulness of IBMX in improvement of farm animal reproduction and fertility.
Randomized Prospective Study on the Use of Eufiss in the Prevention of Infections in Patients Treated with External Fixation
Authors: Amanti A. , Potalivo G. , Pelosi F. , Rende R. , Cerulli G.
Published: January 2017

Percutaneous synthesis using K-wires or external fixation in orthopedics and traumatology is extremely common. Postoperative management of external fixation includes frequent wound care which is demanding for both the patient and the healthcare professionals. In literature the most frequently reported complication is infection. The use of ionic silver goes back to the beginning of the last century and there are many articles describing its antimicrobial efficacy even for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this study we assess the reduction in both superficial and deep infections by using ionic silver in patients with external fixation for orthopedic diseases or traumatology. Furthermore, we show how this method could also contribute to reducing wound care costs. The data collected shows an overall infection incidence of 10%, concordant with data in literature. There appears to be no correlation between the probability of superficial infections and predisposing diseases, such as diabetes, nor the fracture site or position. The presence of loose pins increases the probability of infection. There appears to be no correlation between the clinical examination and the microbiological culture. The data analysis shows that wound care with ionic silver reduces the incidence of superficial infection of the pins. Furthermore, this method guarantees greater cleanliness of the skin and the external fixator which increases patient satisfaction in the management of the external fixation. To date, an insufficient number of patients have been studied to gather enough data to establish which wound care method is the most economical. Certainly, we can state that treatment with ionic silver reduces infection incidence and enables better management of the external fixators and percutaneous synthesis in orthopedics and traumatology.
Leucocyte Infiltration in Lymphoid Organs and Peritoneal Cavity upon Immunization: Dependence on Circadian Rhythmicity and Melatonin 24-H Profile
Authors: Cernysiov V. , Mauricas M. , Girkontaite I.
Published: January 2017

Circadian rhythmicity and melatonin secretion influence many functions in mammals, including the immune system function. The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of suppression of melatonin synthesis (caused by constant lighting) on the quantity of leucocytes in immunized BALB/c mice. The mice were kept under different lighting conditions: (1) customary environmental lighting; (2) constant exposure to light; (3) exposure to light and daily melatonin treatment. The disrupted melatonin synthesis had no effect on the number of cells in the thymus, bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes and Peyer's patches of immunized mice. However, the mice kept under constant light had an increased number of leucocytes in the peritoneal cavity when immunizations were performed in the evening. Melatonin treatment normalized the cell number. When the immunizations were performed in the morning, the numbers of cells in peritoneum of mice kept under constant lighting conditions were lower compared to mice exposed to normal lighting conditions. The number of cells of mice kept in normal light/dark conditions was significantly higher when the immunizations were performed in the morning. The number of peritoneal cells, however, did not depend on the immunization time when mice were kept under constant lighting. In conclusion, the amount of peritoneal cells in mice immunized with T cell-dependent antigens seems to be related to circadian rhythmicity, melatonin production and immunization timing.
The Effects of Inhaled Steroid and Theophylline on Systemic Inflammation in Copd
Authors: Boyaci H. , Pala A. , Bariş S. Argun , Basyigit I. , Yildiz F. , Ilgazli A.
Published: January 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic disease characterized by chronic, progressive airflow limitation and airway inflammation. In this study, our aim is to compare the effects of inhaled corticosteroids and theophylline on systemic inflammatory markers in COPD. Twenty-nine moderate to severe COPD patients were randomly separated into two groups. In Group 1, inhaled corticosteroids (fluticasone propionate, 1000 meg/day) were added to regular bronchodilator therapy for 8 weeks, and theophylline (400mg/day) was added in Group 2. Pulmonary function tests were performed and serum CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were measured before and after treatment. There was a statistically significant decrease in serum CRP levels in both groups following treatment (ICS group 1.06±1.2 vs 0.49±0.22 mg/dl p< 0.05; THEO group 1.66±2.23 vs 0.59±0.35 mg/dl p< 0.05). There was a significant reduction in serum TNF-α levels in the THEO group (3.82±3.44 vs 1.89±1.33 pg/ml p< 0.05). There was no significant change in IL-6 level following treatment in either group. There was a significant increase in FEV1 in the ICS group while a non-significant increase was noted in the THEO group following treatment. It has been suggested that both ICS and THEO could be used as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of COPD. Furthermore, the measurement of serum inflammatory markers is an easy and non-invasive method for the determination and follow-up of systemic inflammation in COPD. Further studies including larger patient population are needed.
Patients with Peri-Implantitis, unlike Those with a Healthy Peri-Implant Microenvironment, Display Antibodies to More Than One Heat Shock Protein (HSP 27, HSP 65 and HSP 90) Linear Epitope
Authors: Masuelli L. , Pompa G. , Fabrizi M. , Quaranta A. , Vozza I. , Piccoli L. , Antonelli A. , Marzocchella L. , Di Carlo S. , Perrotti V. , Giganti M.G. , Piattelli A. , Quaranta M. , Modesti A. , Bei R.
Published: January 2017

The success of a dental implant treatment requires hard and soft tissue integration and osseointegration, mechanisms that entail a direct anchorage of the implant in the bone without interposition of soft tissue. Peri-implantitis is defined as an inflammatory reaction of the tissues surrounding a functioning dental implant. During inflammation, a high incidence of autoantibodies has been reported. The hypothesis of the present study is that the occurrence of autoantibodies to self-antigens including extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and heat shock proteins (HSPs) might affect the dental implant outcome. Therefore, we evaluated the occurrence of antibodies to ECM molecules (Collagen (C) I, III, IV, V, fibronectin, laminin) and HSPs (HSP 27, HSP 65, HSP 90) in subjects with a healthy peri-implant microenvironment (n=29) as compared to patients with peri-implantitis (n=13). We also evaluated the HSP 27 expression in gingival fibroblasts grown in an inflammatory microenvironment. Antibodies to conformational ECM epitopes of CI, CIII and laminin were observed both in subjects with healthy peri-implant conditions and peri-implantitis. Antibodies to more than one HSP linear epitope were found in patients with peri-implantitis but not with healthy peri-implant conditions (p=0.024). Gingival fibroblasts grown in an inflammatory microenvironment showed increased HSP 27 cytoplasmic and plasma membrane expression as compared to fibroblasts grown in normal conditions. Immunity to multiple linear HSPs epitopes in patients with peri-implantitis and not in patients with a healthy peri-implant microenvironment might be relevant for monitoring the implant outcome and help to understand the role of subsets of autoantibodies in implant osseointegration.