bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
p53, Bcl-2 and AgNOR Tissue Markers: Model Approach in Predicting Prostate Cancer Characteristics
Authors: Munda M , Hajdinjak T , Kavalar R , Martinčič D Štiblar
Published: February 2013

The balance between proliferation and apoptosis is represented by changes in the expression of the tissue markers, Bcl-2 and p53, and the presence of silver-stained nucleolar organizing regions (AgNOR) on DNA in prostate adenocarcinomas. Identifying a mathematical model that would take into account the opposing nature of both processes and relate this to cancer stage and grade would be a useful adjunct for studying disease behaviour. This retrospective study investigated tissue marker expression in prostate adenocarcinoma biopsy samples from 17 patients. Staining for p53 was inversely correlated with patient age. Staining for Bcl-2 correlated with the presence of advanced metastatic cancer and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) disease stage. A mathematical model was developed which combined coded staining intensity data for Bcl-2 and AgNOR, as markers of proliferation, and for p53, as a marker of apoptotis. The mathematical model significantly correlated with Gleason score, AJCC stage and serum prostate specific antigen level, whereas each tissue marker alone did not correlate with all these measures.
Genetic Polymorphisms of MTHFR and Aberrant Promoter Hypermethylation of the RASSF1A Gene in Bladder Cancer Risk in a Chinese Population
Authors: Cai DW , Liu XF , Bu RG , Chen XN , Ning L , Cheng Y , Cheng Y , Wu B
Published: February 2013

Epidemiological studies have shown that folate deficiency increases the risk of cancer by affecting DNA repair and methylation. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme in folate metabolism. In this study, it was hypothesized that MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) polymorphisms would be associated with bladder cancer and also with hypermethylation of the promoter of the Ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A) gene. This hospital-based, case-control study of 312 bladder cancer patients and 325 cancer-free controls found that individuals carrying the MTHFR 677TT genotype had a 2.00-fold increased risk of bladder cancer compared with those carrying the 677CC genotype. None of the MTHFR A1298C polymorphisms alone were associated with bladder cancer, but the combined haplotype 677TT/1298AA was associated with a 2.27-fold increased risk compared with haplotype 677CC/1298AA. There was no association between MTHFR gene variants and methylation status of the RASSF1A gene in the 45 bladder cancer patients in whom this was studied. It is concluded that the MTHFR 677TT genotype and the TTAA haplotype may increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Pleiotropic Effects of Mitiglinide in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Konya H , Miuchi M , Konishi K , Nagai E , Ueyama T , Kusunoki Y , Kimura Y , Nakamura Y , Ishikawa T , Inokuchi C , Katsuno T , Hamaguchi T , Miyagawa J , Namba M
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the effects of mitiglinide in 16 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with 30 mg/day mitiglinide, divided into three doses given just before each meal, for approximately 12 months. A 450 kcal meal tolerance test was performed at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months, and levels of plasma glucose and immunoreactive insulin were measured. Various parameters of glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, urinary albumin and markers of atherosclerosis, coagulation and fibrinolysis were also determined. Mitiglinide showed a rapid stimulatory effect on insulin secretion and reduced the levels of plasma glucose. The free fatty acid level significantly decreased at 60 min after the meal tolerance test. Mitiglinide also significantly lowered glycosylated haemoglobin and raised 1,5-anhydroglucitol after 6 months, and significantly decreased urinary albumin after 12 months. These data indicate that mitiglinide may have beneficial effects not only on glycaemic control but also on lipid metabolism and urinary albumin excretion, and may have a role in the prevention of the vascular complications of diabetes.
Does Ramadan Fasting Increase Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage?
Authors: Özkan S , Durukan P , Akdur O , Vardar A , Torun E , Ikizceli I
Published: February 2013

The epidemiological characteristics and clinical results of patients who presented with acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (AUGIH) during the month of Ramadan (October 2007) were compared with those who presented with AUGIH during another, non-Ramadan, month (December 2007). The following were evaluated: age, gender, symptoms, gastrointestinal disease history, risk factors, co-existing diseases, results of rectal, nasogastric and endoscopic examinations, treatment modalities and clinical outcomes. Significantly more patients were diagnosed with AUGIH during Ramadan compared with the non-Ramadan month (43 versus 28, respectively). Significantly more patients diagnosed during Ramadan had a history of previous haemorrhage compared with the non-Ramadan month (72.1% versus 42.9%, respectively). Peptic ulcer was the most common event in both groups and overall endoscopy findings differed between the groups. No other significant differences were found. In conclusion, the number of patients presenting with AUGIH during Ramadan was significantly higher than that of an ordinary month, which suggests that fasting during Ramadan reactivates and aggravates preexisting gastrointestinal diseases.
Interleukin-10-819 Promoter Polymorphism Associated with Gastric Cancer among Asians
Authors: Chen K-F , Li B , Wei Y-G , Peng C-J
Published: February 2013

Studies investigating the association between interleukin-10-819 promoter polymorphism and gastric cancer risk report conflicting results. This study aimed to summarize quantitatively the evidence for such a relationship. Two investigators independently searched the Medline (January 1966 – January 2009) and Embase (January 1980 – January 2009) databases for eligible studies to be included in a meta-analysis. Six case-control studies, which included 681 gastric cancer cases and 1621 control subjects were selected. Combined results for all studies showed that there was no significant difference in genotype distribution (TT, TC or CC) between gastric cancer patients and control subjects. When stratifying for race, results were similar except that Asian patients with gastric cancer had a significantly lower frequency of TT and a higher frequency of TC than Asian control subjects. When stratifying by location and Lauren's classification of gastric cancer, there was no significant difference in genotype distribution between patients with gastric cancer and control subjects. This meta-analysis suggests that the interleukin-10-819 promoter polymorphism may be associated with gastric cancer in Asians.
Cost-Effectiveness of Erlotinib versus Docetaxel for Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lewis G , Peake M , Aultman R , Gyldmark M , Morlotti L , Creeden J , de la Orden M
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to assess the cost-effectiveness of erlotinib compared with docetaxel in the second-line management of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) within the UK National Health Service (NHS). A health-state transition model, based on two randomized phase III studies of erlotinib or docetaxel versus best supportive care, was used to estimate total direct costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and the subsequent net monetary benefit. Erlotinib was associated with a reduction in total costs (£13 730 versus £13 956) and improved outcomes (total QALYs of 0.238 versus 0.206) compared with docetaxel. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated the robustness of this analysis. In summary, erlotinib appeared to generate similar overall survival, an increase in QALYs and a small reduction in total NHS costs compared with docetaxel, due to lower adverse event and drug administration costs. Consequently, from a health economics perspective for the treatment of relapsed stage III - IV NSCLC patients in the UK, erlotinib has advantages over docetaxel.
Procalcitonin: A Novel Cardiac Marker with Prognostic Value in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Ataoğlu HE , Yilmaz F , Uzunhasan I , Çetin F , Temiz LÜ , Döventaş YE , Kaya A , Yenigün M
Published: February 2013

Procalcitonin (PCT) is implicated as an inflammatory marker in early atherosclerosis. In order to investigate the clinical consequences of increased PCT levels in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 77 patients (29 with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction [MI], 34 with ST-elevation MI and 14 with unstable angina pectoris) were included and followed up for 6 months. The PCT levels were determined at initial presentation and within 48 h of admission. Five patients died during hospitalization and their PCT levels within 48 h of admission were significantly higher than survivors ( n = 72) (0.588 ± 0.56 versus 0.399 ± 1.33 ng/ml, respectively). The PCT levels within 48 h post-admission in the nine patients who died within 6 months were also significantly higher compared with the survivors (0.451 ± 0.44 versus 0.406 ± 1.37 ng/ml, respectively). It is concluded that higher PCT levels within 48 h post-admission may reflect an inflammatory state that is associated with increased early and 6-month mortality.
A Comparative Study of Digital and Anatomical Techniques in Skull Base Measurement
Authors: Yang HA , Yang Y , Wang HW , Meng QL , Ren XH , Liu YG
Published: February 2013

This study compared the accuracy of measurements of the skull base made using computed tomography (CT) images and an image-guided surgery system with those made using scientific callipers in order to evaluate the practicability of replacing conventional direct anatomical measurements with digitized techniques in skull base surgery. Important bony landmarks and parameters were measured using the three different methods in 25 cadaver skull bases. No statistically significant differences were observed between the methods. Coefficient of variation calculations indicated that data obtained from CT images was the most stable. Digital methods of navigation have the potential to reflect individual skull base anatomical features more accurately than traditional group-based data, but it is important to assess their accuracy. This study demonstrated that CT imageology and image-guided surgery systems can provide accurate anatomical measurements. Digital methods are also more flexible and less variable, and may have wide applications in this field. Though not perfect, digital imaging is a promising tool for skull base surgery.
The Expression of Angiopoietin-1 and −2 in the Endometrium of Women with Abnormal Bleeding Induced by an Intra-Uterine Device
Authors: Qian HL , Wang HF , Yang ML
Published: February 2013

This study identified differences in expression of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) in the endometrium of 33 women with abnormal bleeding induced by an intra-uterine device (IUD; 23 proliferative phase, 10 secretory phase) compared with 28 control samples from normal endometria in women without an IUD fitted (12 proliferative phase, 16 secretory phase). Expression of Ang-1, Ang-2 and endothelial cell-specific tyrosine kinase receptor-2 (Tie-2) mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Ang-1 and Ang-2 protein levels were detected by immunohistochemistry. The RT-PCR results showed significantly decreased Ang-1 expression in the endometrium from IUD patients during both phases compared with the control women. Expression of Tie-2 mRNA and the Ang-1:Ang-2 mRNA ratio were also significantly decreased in endometria from IUD patients in the secretory phase compared with the control women. Immunohistochemical analysis showed elevated Ang-2 protein levels in secretory phase endometrium from IUD patients compared with the control women. These results suggest that the angiopoietin/Tie-2 system promotes vascular remodelling in the endometrium and that changes in the expression of Ang-1, Ang-2 and Tie-2 may contribute to abnormal uterine bleeding in some IUD users.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Ningdong Granule: The Beneficial Effects in Tourette's Disorder
Authors: Zhao L , Li A-Y , Lv H , Liu F-Y , Qi F-H
Published: February 2013

This 8-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study investigated the short-term effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine, Ningdong (ND) granule in paediatric subjects (aged 7-18 years) with Tourette's disorder (TD). Subjects received either 1 g/kg per day ND granule ( n = 33) or placebo ( n = 31) and tics were measured at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Body mass index, electrocardiogram and laboratory measures were recorded at baseline and at week 8. After 8 weeks of treatment with ND granule, subjects exhibited a 41.39% reduction in the total tic score while the placebo group showed a 10.79% decrease. Regarding side-effects, two subjects reported loss of appetite and one experienced constipation in the ND granule group. There were no significant changes in laboratory and physical examinations. These results suggest that ND granule is both effective and safe, and may be a good candidate for the treatment of patients with TD.
Maternal Cytokine Balance on the Third Postpartum Day is Not Affected by the Mode of Delivery after Healthy Pregnancies
Authors: Gyarmati B , Bekö G , Szalay B , Cseh Á , Vásárhelyi B , Treszl A
Published: February 2013

Previous reports have suggested that delivery is associated with the induction of inflammatory cytokines. The present study was designed to investigate whether increased cytokine production was present on postpartum day 3 after a normal pregnancy and whether any changes were associated with the mode of delivery. In total, 33 pregnant women were enrolled; 18 delivered vaginally and 15 underwent an elective caesarean section (C-section). The levels of 17 cytokines and growth hormones were measured at the beginning of delivery or before anaesthesia and on postpartum day 3.

While interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels decreased significantly postpartum, other cytokine concentrations were comparable before and after delivery. Only IL-7 levels were significantly increased in the C-section patients compared with the vaginal birth patients postpartum. In conclusion, there was no risk of a prolonged maternal inflammatory reaction after an uncomplicated vaginal birth or elective C-section, so it is probably not necessary to consider this as an issue when making a decision on the mode of delivery following uncomplicated pregnancy.
The Presence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in the Ova of Pregnant Women and Its Relationship with Intra-Uterine Infection by Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Lou H , Ding W , Dong M , Zhu Y , Zhou C , Wang Z , Yang X , Yao Q , Li D , Miao M
Published: February 2013

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been proposed to play an important role in mother-to-child transmission, although the extent to which vertical transmission via oocytes contributes to neonatal HBV infection remains unknown. Ovarian biopsies were collected during caesarean sections in 68 clinically asymptomatic pregnant women who were carriers of HBV. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the ova of pregnant women was determined by immunohistochemistry. Serum markers of HBV infection in pregnant women and their neonates were analysed. It was found that, of 68 women, the ova were positive for HBsAg in only one woman and her neonate was negative for any serum HBV markers 3 days after birth. Of 68 neonates, one was positive for serum HBV markers 3 days after birth and his mother's ova were negative for HBsAg. These findings indicate that vertical transmission via oocytes may not be the major route of HBV intra-uterine infection.
Increased Serum Malondialdehyde Level in Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy: Prediction of Disease Severity
Authors: Kirimi E , Peker E , Tuncer O , Yapicioglu H , Narli N , Satar M
Published: February 2013

Increased serum level of malondialdehyde (sMDA) in neonates with hypoxicischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) was evaluated as a possible criterion for determining HIE severity. Mean body weight and gestational age in a healthy control group of neonates ( n = 63) and in neonates with HIE ( n = 69) were statistically similar. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min for the HIE group were significantly lower than for the control group. The mean sMDA level for the HIE group was significantly higher than the control group. Within the HIE group, the sMDA level for neonates with Sarnat's grade II and III was significantly higher than for those with Sarnat's grade I. There was a significant correlation between Sarnat's grading and the sMDA level. The sMDA level was significantly higher for neonates who died ( n = 20) compared with those who survived ( n = 49). In conclusion, the sMDA level was highest in neonates with HIE and correlated with HIE severity. The sMDA concentration could, therefore, be used as a criterion for predicting disease severity.
Assessment of the Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of the Management of Systolic Heart Failure in Chinese Patients Using a Home-Based Intervention
Authors: Chen Y-H , Ho Y-L , Huang H-C , Wu H-W , Lee C-Y , Hsu T-P , Cheng C-L , Chen M-F
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to assess the clinical effect of a home-based telephone intervention in Chinese heart failure patients. A total of 550 Chinese heart failure patients were enrolled into either (i) a group that received the usual standard of care (UC group); or (ii) a group that received a home-based heart failure centre management programme using nursing specialist-led telephone consultations (HFC group). The impact of the home-based intervention on admission rate, admission length and medical costs over 6 months was measured. Although the mean left ventricular ejection fraction in HFC patients was 29.3% compared with 34.8% in UC patients, the home-based intervention resulted in a significantly lower all-cause admission rate per person (HFC 0.60 ± 0.77 times/person; UC 0.96 ± 0.85 times/person), a shorter all-cause hospital stay (reduced by 8 days per person) and lower total 6-month medical costs (reduced by US$2682 per patient). These results suggest that the home-based intervention with nursing specialist-led telephone consultations may improve the clinical outcome and provide cost-savings for Chinese patients with heart failure.
Impact of Long-Acting Calcium Channel Blockers on the Prognosis of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease with and without Chronic Kidney Disease: A Comparison of Three Drugs
Authors: Nitta Y , Yamamoto R , Yamaguchi Y , Katsuda S , Kaku B , Taguchi T , Takabatake S , Nakahama K , Yamagishi M
Published: February 2013

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) can prevent cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study looked retrospectively at the prognosis of CAD in hypertensive patients with CAD who had undergone a coronary angiograph, had been given a CCB (benidipine [ n = 66], amlodipine [ n = 45], or long-acting nifedipine [ n = 31]) on hospital discharge and were then followed up for a mean ± SD of 5.2 ± 2.9 years. Systolic/diastolic blood pressure for all 142 patients decreased significantly from a mean ± SD of 137 ± 20/74 ± 15 mmHg to 129 ± 20/71 ± 12 mmHg. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 15 patients. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was a significant risk factor for MACE (hazard ratio 2.35, 95% confidence intervals 1.45, 3.80). Benidipine was superior to nifedipine in preventing MACE in patients both with and without CKD. In conclusion, benidipine and amlodipine reduced the frequency of MACE in hypertensive patients with CAD, particularly in those with complicating CKD.
The Cut-Off Rate of Skin Temperature Change to Confirm Successful Lumbar Sympathetic Block
Authors: Park SY , Nahm FS , Kim YC , Lee SC , Sim SE , Lee SJ
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to find the best cut-off value for the rate of change in temperature of the plantar surface of the foot for predicting the success of lumbar sympathetic block (LSB). A total of 185 LSBs were performed on 82 patients via a posterolateral approach under fluoroscopic guidance. Successful LSB was considered to have occurred when changes in the ipsilateral temperature between preblock and post-block were ≥ 2 °C. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the minimum rate of temperature change was constructed as a predictor of the onset of a successful LSB. The area under the ROC curve was 0.971 at the rate of 0.4°C/min with a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 91.8%. Achieving a rate of temperature change of 0.4°C/min within approximately 5 min of the injection of local anaesthetic could be used as an indicator of the onset of successful LSB.
A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial to Investigate Times to Onset of the Perception of Soothing and Cooling by Over-The-Counter Heartburn Treatments
Authors: Strugala V , Dettmar PW , Sarratt K , Sykes J , Berry P , Thomas E
Published: February 2013

This was a randomized, controlled, four-way crossover study in 45 subjects with a tendency to suffer from moderate heartburn following some meals. The study was designed to assess the time to onset of the perceived soothing and cooling effects of the alginate raft-forming products, Gaviscon Liquid (peppermint), Gaviscon Double Action Liquid (peppermint) and Gaviscon Powder Formulation (fresh tropical), compared with a non-active sublingual control. All three Gaviscon products provided significantly faster soothing and cooling effects compared with the control. Based on the upper 95% confidence limits for the median, time to onset of soothing was perceived within 3.15 min, 3.08 min and 4.05 min for Gaviscon Liquid, Double Action Liquid and Powder Formulation, respectively. Similarly, time to onset of cooling was perceived within 1.95 min, 1.23 min and 11.22 min for Gaviscon Liquid, Double Action Liquid and Powder Formulation, respectively. The results show that Gaviscon Liquid and Gaviscon Double Action soothe within 3.15 min and cool within 1.95 min.
Differential Diagnosis of Small Single Solid Thyroid Nodules using Real-Time Ultrasound Elastography
Authors: Wang Y , Dan H-J , Dan H-Y , Li T , Hu B
Published: February 2013

In this prospective study, the diagnostic value of real-time ultrasound elastography (USE) was evaluated in 51 consecutive patients referred for surgical treatment with single solid thyroid nodules < 10 mm in maximum diameter with an indeterminate result on B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasonography. Ultrasonographic results were compared with histopathological data. Nineteen follicular adenomas and 32 papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) were observed. A real-time USE score of 4 − 5 diagnosed PTMCs with a sensitivity of 90.63%, a specificity of 89.47% and an accuracy of 90.20%. The positive and negative predictive values were 93.55% and 85.00%, respectively. It is concluded that real-time USE is a promising imaging technique that could assist in the differential diagnosis of single solid thyroid nodules < 10 mm in maximum diameter that give indeterminate results on conventional ultrasound.
Influence of Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency in Gait Variability
Authors: Tzagarakis GN , Tsivgoulis SD , Papagelopoulos PJ , Mastrokalos DS , Papadakis NC , Kampanis NA , Kontakis GM , Nikolaou PK , Katonis PG
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to compare the gait variability of patients with isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency (experimental group) with that of healthy individuals (control group). The hypothesis was that the gait variability of the experimental group would be higher than the control group. The experimental group consisted of 20 men with an ACL tear and the control group consisted of 20 healthy men without any neurological and/or musculoskeletal pathology or injury. The gait acceleration signal was analysed using the Gait Evaluation Differential Entropy Method (GEDEM). The GEDEM index of the experimental group in the medio-lateral axis was significantly higher than that of the control subjects. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the diagnostic value of the method and to determine a cut-off entropy value. The GEDEM cut-off value had a 95.6% probability of separating isolated ACL patients from healthy subjects.
Xenotransplantation of Hepatocytes in Rats with Acute Liver Failure Using Sirolimus for Immunosuppression
Authors: Lytras D , Papalois A , Tsaroucha AK , Papagoras D , Kyriazanos J , Lambropoulou M , Giannakou N , Galanos A , Simopoulos CE
Published: February 2013

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sirolimus (SRL; rapamycin) as an immunosuppressant during xenotransplantation (XT) of rabbit hepatocytes into male Wistar rats with acute liver failure (ALF; n = 72). Isolated rabbit hepatocytes were transplanted intrasplenically into rats within 24 h of chemically induced ALF. Treatment groups received monotherapy with either cyclosporine (CsA) 20 mg/kg or SRL 0.20 mg/kg, or combination therapy with CsA 20 mg/kg + SRL 0.20 mg/kg for 14 days post-transplant. One control group with ALF received no treatment and a second group with ALF received only XT. Surviving rats were euthanized after 14 days, with concurrent blood sampling and organ retrieval for morphological evaluation. Survival rates at 14 days were: no XT/no treatment, 0%; XT alone, 29%; XT + CsA, 79%; XT + SRL, 33%; and XT + CsA + SRL, 33%. Liver morphology showed statistically superior liver regeneration for groups on SRL therapy. It is concluded that, in this hepatocyte XT model, SRL offered no survival advantage for ALF management so CsA still maintains a central role in attempts to develop alternative solutions for ALF.
Effect of Combined Treatment with Methylprednisolone and Nogo-A Monoclonal Antibody after Rat Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wu J , Yang H , Qiu Z , Zhang Q , Ding T , Geng D
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combination therapy with methylprednisolone (MP) and Nogo-66 antagonistic peptide (NEP1-40) on morphological and functional recovery in adult rats subjected to thoracic compression spinal cord injury (SCI). Animals were randomized into four groups: a trauma control group, an MP group, an NEP1-40 group, and a combined treatment group. The inflammatory reaction, neuronal and oligodendrocyte survival, and ultrastructure were assessed at the injury site. Functional analysis was also performed using Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring. Rat behaviour was evaluated regularly up to week 4. NEP1-40 did not alter the beneficial effect of MP on haematogenous inflammatory cell infiltration, while combined treatment resulted in greater neuronal and oligodendrocyte survival compared with monotherapy or control. Combination therapy resulted in better locomotor scores. These results in a clinically-relevant SCI model showed that significant neuroprotection can be obtained by combining an initial acute IV injection of MP with continuously infused NEP1-40.
Ferrous Chelator 2,2′-Dipyridyl Attenuates Cerebral Vasospasm after Experimental Subarachnoid Haemorrhage in Rabbits
Authors: Yu YY , Niu L , Gao L , Zhang GL , Li J , Deng JP , Qu YZ , Zhao ZW , Gao GD
Published: February 2013

The effect of 2,2′-dipyridyl (DP) on cerebral vasospasm was investigated in a double-injection rabbit model of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Thirty-six animals were divided between four groups: control (sham-operated), SAH (model alone), SAH + DP (the SAH model in which DP dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide [DMSO] was injected once daily for 5 days into the cisterna magna), and SAH + DMSO (the SAH model in which DMSO [vehicle] was injected daily for 5 days). There were significant differences in the basilar artery luminal area, wall thickness, neurological deficit score and vasospasm index between the SAH + DP and SAH groups. There was a significant negative correlation between arterial luminal area and arterial wall thickness, and also between the neurological deficit score and vasospasm index. Cells that were positive for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labelling (TUNEL) and p53 expression were significantly increased in the SAH + DMSO and SAH groups, but not in the SAH + DP group, versus controls. Thus, DP may attenuate cerebral vasospasm after SAH by suppressing p53-induced apoptosis in the cerebral vessels.
T-Lymphocyte Subpopulations and B7-H1/PD-1 Expression in Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Zhang LP , Lin L , Zheng CQ , Shi GY
Published: February 2013

T-lymphocyte subpopulations and B7-H1/programmed death-1 (PD-1) positive lymphocytes infiltrating nasal polyps were evaluated in 17 patients with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis. Peripheral blood samples were also obtained from the patients and from 11 healthy controls. The CD4+, CD8+, CD3+, CD19+, B7-H1+ and PD-1+ lymphocyte populations were measured using flow cytometry. Lymphocytes from nasal polyps had significantly fewer CD4+ but significantly more CD8+ T-cells compared with lymphocytes from the peripheral blood of patients and controls. The percentages of CD19+/B7-H1+ B-cells and of CD3+/PD-1+ T-cells were significantly higher in the nasal polyp samples than in those from peripheral blood of patients and controls. Changes in the T-lymphocyte subpopulations and in the up-regulation of B7-H1 and PD-1 in lymphocytes infiltrating nasal polyps may be involved in the development of the chronic inflammation associated with nasal polyposis.
The Role of T-Helper 17 (Th17) Cells in Patients with Medulloblastoma
Authors: Zhou P , Sha H , Zhu J
Published: February 2013

As a new member of the CD4+ effector T-cell family, T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, have emerged as an important mediator in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Th17 cells preferentially produce interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-26 in humans. Recent studies suggest a potential role for Th17 cells in tumour development. The current study was designed to investigate the possible involvement of Th17 cells in the brain tumour medulloblastoma. Compared with 17 healthy volunteers, 23 patients with medulloblastoma had a higher proportion of Th17 cells in their peripheral blood. Increased populations of Th17 cells were also present in medulloblastoma-infiltrating T-cells. Furthermore, the mRNA levels for Th17-related factors (IL-17, IL-23 and retinoid orphan nuclear receptor) in tumour tissues and the serum concentrations of IL-17 and IL-23 protein were significantly increased in patients with medulloblastoma. The results indicate that Th17 cells may contribute to medulloblastoma pathogenesis.
Foreign Bodies Causing Asphyxiation in Children: The Experience of the Buenos Aires Paediatric ORL Clinic
Authors: Chinski A , Foltran F , Gregori D , Passali D , Bellussi L
Published: February 2013

Inhalation or aspiration of a foreign body (FB) occurs relatively frequently in young children. The size, shape, type and site of arrest of the FB lead to variability in the clinical picture. The present study included data from 65 cases of FB inhalation presenting over 1 year at the Children's Hospital Gutierrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina, compared with information from four well-known published case series chosen as representative of other cultural and geographical backgrounds: the USA, Europe, North Africa (Egypt) and Asia (India). The mean age of children studied was 4.03 years. Injuries happened mainly at home (53 cases [81.54%]) and under adult supervision (59 cases [90.77%]). The most frequently inhaled FB was nuts, however, in contrast to previous reports, the majority of incidents involved inhalation of an inorganic, rather than an organic (food) FB. Complications included pneumonia (three cases), atelectasis (two cases) and pneumonitis (one case). No deaths were recorded. These data suggest that children play with objects inappropriate for their age, such as pins and nails, that adults may not be aware of the choking risks, and that more effort is required in educating caregivers about these risks.
Evaluation of Myocardial Bridges with Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Cao H-M , Jiang J-F , Deng B , Xu J-H , Xu W-J
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the morphological characteristics of myocardial bridges (MBs) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging compared with coronary artery angiography (CAG) and also evaluated atherosclerotic lesions in the proximal segments of MBs. Twelve patients (seven males, five females, age range 36–81 years) with MBs in the left anterior descending coronary artery were enrolled and examined. The mean ± SD length of the MBs measured by OCT appeared significantly longer than when measured by CAG (20.5 ± 4.2 mm versus 15.6 ± 3.5 mm, respectively). The mean ± SD maximal extent of MB stenosis appeared significantly smaller with OCT compared with CAG (48.7 ± 4.8% versus 55.3 ± 2.6%, respectively). Intimal thickening was observed only in the proximal 2 cm arterial segment of MBs. The morphological and intimal structure characteristics of MBs can be observed clearly with OCT.
Riluzole Use during Pregnancy in a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report
Authors: Kawamichi Y , Makino Y , Matsuda Y , Miyazaki K , Uchiyama S , Ohta H
Published: February 2013

Pregnancy with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is rare and generally considered dangerous. Riluzole is the only drug approved for use in ALS, but the effect on maternal and fetal health is unknown. We describe the case of an ALS patient taking riluzole throughout pregnancy. A 34-year old Japanese woman, who had been diagnosed with probable ALS 4 years earlier, visited our hospital for abdominal distension, without knowing that she was pregnant. The patient had been taking riluzole for 2 years, inclusive of her gestational months, and we decided to continue administration of the medication. The patient delivered a normal female infant transvaginally at 38 weeks gestation. The patient's neurological status was stable 1 year after delivery and the baby had developed normally. We found that, in this case, riluzole did not cause any side-effects to the pregnant woman or her fetus.
Non-thermal Cellular Effects of Low-power Microwave Radiation on the Lens and Lens Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yu Y , Yao K
Published: February 2013

Because of the increased use of modern radiofrequency devices, public concern about the possible health effects of exposure to microwave radiation has arisen in many countries. It is well established that high-power microwave radiation can induce cataracts via its thermal effects. It remains unclear whether low-power microwave radiation, especially at levels below the current exposure limits, is cataractogenic. This review summarizes studies on the biological effects of low-power microwave radiation on lens and lens epithelial cells (LECs). It has been reported that exposure affects lens transparency, alters cell proliferation and apoptosis, inhibits gap junctional intercellular communication, and induces genetic instability and stress responses in LECs. These results raise the question of whether the ambient microwave environment can induce non-thermal effects in the lens and whether such effects have potential health consequences. Further in vivo studies on the effects on the lens of exposure to low-power microwave radiation are needed.
Assessment of Transvaginal Sonography Combined with Endometrial Cytology as a Mass Screening Method for Endometrial Cancer in Beijing
Authors: Fan B , Zhao Q , Zhang S , Wang T , Deng X
Published: February 2013

This was a two-phase, large sample-group study assessing the effectiveness of combined transvaginal sonography (TVS) and endometrial cytology in endometrial cancer screening. In phase one, 3308 women without known cancer were enrolled and TVS was performed on those with symptoms or endometrial cancer risk factors. Endometrial cytology was carried out on post-menopausal women with endometrial thickness ≥ 5 mm and on pre-menopausal women with endometrial thickness ≥ 10 mm. Dilation and curettage (D & C) was performed if cytological findings were inconclusive, or indicated cancer or pre-cancer. The mass screening safety interval is at least 2 years and phase two was carried out 2 years after phase one, using the same procedures, on the 3305 women who were originally found to be cancer free. Combined TVS and endometrial cytology resulted in 100% sensitivity and 99.0% specificity, reducing unnecessary D & C by 91.7% and screening costs by 20.1%. Combined TVS examination and endometrial cytology decreased potentially harmful examinations, patient suffering and medical costs, and is worth considering for broad implementation.
Intraperitoneal Ropivacaine for Effective Pain Relief after Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
Authors: Kang H , Kim B-G
Published: February 2013

This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of intraperitoneal instillation of ropivacaine in the relief of pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. Patients in group C (placebo control group; n = 33) received normal saline and those in group I (instillation group; n = 30) received an instillation of 2 mg/kg ropivacaine at the initiation of the pneumoperitoneum. Visual analogue scale pain scores, fentanyl consumption and the frequency at which patients pushed the button (FPB) of a patient-controlled analgesia system during the post-operative period were significantly lower in group I compared with group C, and decreased gradually with time in both groups. The total amount of fentanyl consumed and the total FPB were significantly lower in group I compared with group C. Thus, intraperitoneal ropivacaine instillation reduced pain during the post-operative period after laparoscopic appendectomy. In addition, this drug was easy to administer and had no adverse effects at the dose used.
Variants in the Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase, Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase and Thymidylate Synthase Genes Predict Early Toxicity of 5-Fluorouracil in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Kristensen MH , Pedersen PL , Melsen GV , Ellehauge J , Mejer J
Published: February 2013

Adverse drug reactions to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy have been reported to be due, in part, to genetic variants of the genes for the drug-related enzymes thymidylate synthase (TS; TYMS gene), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR gene) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD; DPYD gene). This study investigated whether selected genetic variants of the TYMS, MTHFR and DPYD genes predict 5-FU-related early toxicity. The prevalence of the genetic variants was determined in 122 colorectal cancer patients and in a reference population of 320 blood donors. Subgroup analysis of 68 of the colorectal cancer patients was carried out to determine the relationship between selected gene variants detected in peripheral mononuclear cells and tolerability during the first or second cycle of 5-FU based treatment. Toxicity was linked to the TYMS 2R/2R variant (relative risk [RR] 1.66; sensitivity 0.37; specificity 0.77) and to the MTHFR c1298 C/C genetic variant (RR 1.77; sensitivity 0.17; specificity 0.91). Patients with the genetic variant IVS14+1 G/A or c1896 C/T in the DPYD gene had a statistically significant increased risk of experiencing toxicity (RR 2 and 6, respectively), both having a high specificity (0.97 and 0.98, respectively) and low sensitivity (0.04 and 0.13, respectively). It is concluded that pre-treatment detection of genetic variants can help to predict early toxicity experienced by patients receiving 5-FU-based chemotherapy.
Assessment of Serum Antioxidant Status in Patients with Silicosis
Authors: Zhang JW , Lv GC , Yao JM , Hong XP
Published: February 2013

Prolonged exposure to silica dust causes an imbalance in the generation of free radicals and in the antioxidant system, thereby inducing oxidative stress. The antioxidant status of 113 silicosis patients and 116 control subjects without silicosis was examined. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly higher in silicosis patients than in controls. The GSH level in patients with stage I silicosis was higher than that in patients with other stages, but there was no difference in serum MDA level and SOD activity between disease stages. The GSH level of patients who worked with air drills was significantly lower than that of patients in other occupations, whereas the MDA level was significantly elevated in patients who used air drills. Serum SOD activity did not differ significantly according to the occupational group. It is concluded that the measurement of serum SOD, GSH and MDA levels could be beneficial in the clinical evaluation of serum antioxidant status in silicosis patients.
Hand-assisted Laparoscopic Surgery versus the Open Approach in Curative Resection of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Liu FL , Lin JJ , Ye F , Teng LS
Published: February 2013

This prospective, randomized study compared the outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) with open surgery for the resection of rectal cancer. The main outcome measures were procedure time, blood loss, post-operative pain, time to oral intake, return of bowel function, length of hospital stay, morbidity and functional recovery. Patients in each group were similar with regard to general status, procedure types and the histopathological features of tumours. Procedure times were significantly longer with HALS versus open surgery. Analgesic requirements, surgical blood loss, time to first passing flatus, time to first oral fluids and postoperative hospital stay length were all significantly shorter in the HALS group. At a median follow-up of 16.3 months, local recurrence of tumour was not observed in either group. In this study, the HALS approach for curative resection of rectal cancer was safe and effective and may offer several potential advantages to patients in their post-operative recovery.
Seminal Plasma Zinc Level May be Associated with the Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Sperm Parameters
Authors: Liu R-Z , Gao J-C , Zhang H-G , Wang R-X , Zhang Z-H , Liu X-Y
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cigarette smoking on seminal plasma zinc levels and sperm parameters, and to examine the role of seminal plasma zinc. Semen samples from 79 non-smokers and 68 smokers were obtained. There was a significant decrease in seminal plasma zinc in smokers and a clear correlation between seminal plasma zinc levels and the extent of smoking. Sperm parameters (concentration, motility and morphology) among smokers were significantly lower in comparison to non-smokers. These parameters were also significantly decreased among smokers with abnormal zinc levels, while there was no significant difference between non-smokers with normal zinc and non-smokers with abnormal zinc levels. As previous studies have shown that seminal plasma zinc is associated with a decrease of anti-oxidant defences, seminal plasma zinc could be a contributor to the effects of cigarette smoking on sperm parameters. In conclusion, cigarette smoking can affect sperm parameters and this study may help towards providing a mechanistic explanation.
Expression of the Genes Encoding Human Leucocyte Antigens-A, -B, -DP, -DQ and -G in Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhang Y , Liu Y , Lu N , Shan NN , Zheng GX , Zhao SM , Zou X , Gao YJ , Li YJ , Wang YS
Published: February 2013

This study compared the expression of the genes encoding human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-A, -B, -DP, -DR and -G in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in gastric cancer patients and healthy controls. Using reverse transcription– polymerase chain reaction, levels of classical HLA-A, -B, -DP and -DR and non-classical HLA-G mRNA were studied in 43 gastric cancer patients and 22 controls. In addition, the levels of HLA-A,B,C and -G antigens on the surface of PBMCs were measured in 30 gastric cancer patients and 15 controls using flow cytometry. The mean fluorescence intensity of HLA-A,B,C antigen in the gastric cancer group was significantly lower than in controls. The HLA-G antigen was mainly present on CD4+CD8− T-lymphocytes. The percentage of CD4+CD8− T-lymphocytes positive for HLA-G antigen was significantly lower in the gastric cancer group compared with the healthy controls. Levels of HLA-A, -B and -G mRNA in the gastric cancer group were significantly lower than in controls. The HLA-G mRNA levels were significantly lower in gastric cancer of histological grades III and IV than in grades I and II. These data may provide a novel diagnostic and research tool for gastric cancer.
A Comparative Study of Transfection Efficiency between Liposomes, Immunoliposomes and Brain-specific Immunoliposomes
Authors: Zhao H , Li G-L , Wang R-Z , Li S-F , Wei J-J , Feng M , Zhao Y-J , Ma W-B , Yang Y , Li Y-N , Kong Y-G
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the transfection ability and efficiency of liposomes and immunoliposomes for exogenous gene delivery into the brain via the venous system. Four groups of rats underwent tail vein injection with one of the following: liposomes encapsulating pCMV (human cytomegalovirus promoter)-LacZ plasmid 80 μg (low dose) or 300 μg (high dose); general immunoliposomes encapsulating 80 μg transferrin receptor antibodies (OX26)-pCMV-LacZ plasmid; or brain-specific immunoliposomes encapsulating 80 μg OX26-pGFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter)-LacZ plasmid. A control group received no injected agent. The LacZ mRNA levels (1 h post-injection) and β-galactosidase activity (48 h post-injection) in the brain and peripheral organs were assayed using real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and histochemical staining, respectively. Both immunoliposomes delivered exogenous DNA containing the LacZ gene into the brain after venous injection, resulting in extensive LacZ expression in the brain. Furthermore, the brain-specific OX26-pGFAP-LacZ immunoliposome decreased the non-specific expression of LacZ in peripheral organs without affecting transfection efficiency in the brain. Thus, brain-specific immunoliposomes are an efficient and brain-specific targeting vector.
Effects of Ulinastatin and Cyclophosphamide on the Growth of Xenograft Breast Cancer and Expression of CXC Chemokine Receptor 4 and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Cancers
Authors: Sun ZJ , Yzu T , Chen JS , Sun X , Gao F , Zhao XL , Luo J
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ulinastatin (UTI) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) as mono therapies and as combination therapy on the growth of mouse xenograft breast tumours. MCF-7 breast cancer cells were xenografted into 48 nu/nu nude mice in order to construct a breast cancer xenograft nude mouse model; mice were then untreated (control), or treated with CTX 0.1 g/kg every other day, UTI once a day at 25000 U (low), 50000 U (medium) or 100 000 U (high), or CTX + UTI (low), CTX + UTI (medium) or CTX + UTI (high) ( n = 6 mice/group). Compared with controls, mice in each drug-treated group had a significantly reduced tumour weight, and protein and mRNA levels of CXC chemokine receptor 4 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in both the UTI (low, medium and high doses) and CTX groups were significantly reduced, while levels in the UTI (low, medium and high doses) + CTX combination groups were significantly reduced compared with the CTX group and the UTI (low, medium, high) groups. Thus, both UTI and CTX can significantly inhibit xenograft tumours, and the UTI + CTX combination exhibited an additive effect that was superior to both CTX and UTI monotherapy.