bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Acute Hypervolaemic Haemodilution on the Expression of Plasma Interferon-Inducible Protein-10 and Bactericidal/Permeability-Increasing Protein in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Tang QF , Hao YF , Qian YN , Yang JJ , Wang ZY
Published: February 2013

This prospective, randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of acute hypervolaemic haemodilution (AHH) on the expression of plasma interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) in patients undergoing elective total hip replacement. Twenty patients were randomized to receive an infusion of either hydroxyethyl starch (HES group) or lactated Ringer's solution (LR group) immediately after anaesthesia. Plasma concentrations of IP-10 and BPI were measured before anaesthesia (baseline), at the start of surgery, 30 min after the start of surgery and at the end of surgery. Blood loss and the volume of blood transfused were significantly lower in the HES group compared with the LR group. Compared with baseline, IP-10 and BPI concentrations increased significantly in both groups 30 min after the start of surgery. The IP-10 concentrations were significantly lower and BPI concentrations significantly higher in the HES group compared with the LR group 30 min after the start of surgery and at the end of surgery. It is concluded that AHH with HES may be helpful in ameliorating immune function during total hip replacement and in reducing blood loss and the extent of blood transfusion.
Investigation of Propofol Concentrations in Human Breath by Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gong Y , Li E , Xu G , Wang H , Wang C , Li P , He Y
Published: February 2013

Propofol has been detected in human breath after being used as an intravenous anaesthetic, and this could provide a noninvasive method for monitoring propofol anaesthesia. The physicochemical properties of propofol allow it to diffuse across the alveolocapillary membrane and to be prepared as a calibration gas. In this study, headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC–MS), coupled with an external standard, was applied to assess propofol levels in the breath and plasma from three subjects under intravenous anaesthesia. Lower quantitation limits were 3.6 ng/l and 0.2 mg/l for propofol analysis in breath and arterial plasma, respectively. Intraday precision and recovery percentages for propofol detection in breath were 4.3-6.7% and 98-108%, respectively, and in plasma they were 3.8-6.1% and 90.1-125.1%, respectively. Propofol concentrations were 4.3-33.5 ng/l in breath and 3.2-6.8 mg/l in arterial plasma. A correlation was shown between propofol concentration in breath and plasma. Thus, HS-SPME-GC–MS, coupled with an external standard, could be a reliable and sensitive analytical technique for detecting propofol in breath during anaesthesia.
Hospital Experience of an Avian Influenza a (H5N1) Outbreak in Turkey
Authors: Sahin HA , Deveci A
Published: February 2013

This study reports the hospital experience of an avian influenza (H5N1) outbreak in Turkey. Out of a total of 602 cases, H5N1 infection was not suspected in 290, prophylactic therapy was given to 165 due to contact with poultry, and 147 were hospitalized, 10 of whom were confirmed as having H5N1 infection. Three peaks in the number of hospital applications were observed during the epidemic; all were related to particular items in the media. The proportion of confirmed H5N1 cases was 1.66% of all applications. The mean age was 10.4 years for confirmed cases and 16.3 years for both unconfirmed and confirmed H5N1 cases in contact with poultry. The mean hospitalization period was 5.0 and 12.2 days in suspected and confirmed cases, respectively. A total of 8 days of mechanical ventilator usage was required for the 10 confirmed cases. Four confirmed cases died during the outbreak. Efforts should be directed towards training health professionals, improving crisis management during an outbreak and, as children are prone to H5N1 infections, implementing school training programmes.
The Relationship between Mortality and Inflammation in Patients with Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Koseoglu Z , Ozkan OV , Semerci E , Aslan A , Yetim I , Ucar E , Kuvandik G , Temiz M , Borazan A
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between mortality and inflammation in patients who were admitted to the emergency room with gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients ( n = 96) managed at two medical centres were included in the study. Initial levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), haemoglobin and albumin, and leucocyte and thrombocyte counts for 28 patients who died were compared with those for the 68 patients who survived and were successfully discharged. The data were analysed using the χ2-test. Serum levels of CRP and leucocyte counts were significantly higher, and albumin and haemoglobin were significantly lower in patients who died compared with patients who survived. The increased levels of serum CRP and leucocyte counts, and decreased levels of albumin and haemoglobin were found to be independent risk factors for mortality. It is concluded that increased serum CRP levels and leucocyte counts combined with decreased albumin and haemoglobin levels on admission to the emergency room may be used as predictive factors of mortality in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.
What May Stimulate General Practitioners to Undertake Screening and Brief Intervention for Excess Alcohol Consumption in Slovenia? A Focus Group Study
Authors: Kersnik J , Susič T Poplas , Kolšek M , Švab I
Published: February 2013

Screening and brief intervention (SBI) presents an effective early response by healthcare professionals to their patients' alcohol-related problems. This qualitative research study used focus group discussions with general practitioners (GPs) to identify incentives that may increase the use of SBI in Slovene general practice. Seven categories of actions that may improve the use of SBI were identified: motivation, professional institution, financial support, adequate knowledge and skills, community support, workload (i.e. relief from the burden of current obligations in order to allow more time for prevention), and record keeping (suitable medical documentation). Several of these actions can be changed by the GPs themselves (motivation, adequate knowledge and skills, and record keeping), while the remaining four require more extensive community action on the part of society as a whole, e.g. government intervention. The results of this study will guide future changes in the way that prevention strategies for excess alcohol consumption will be implemented in Slovenia.
Effects of Native Human Leukocyte Interferon-α and Recombinant Human Interferon-α on P3-X63-Ag8.653 Mouse Myeloma Cell Growth
Authors: Plesničar A , Vidmar G , Štabuc B , Plesničar B Kores
Published: February 2013

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains largely incurable, although traditional chemotherapy and new compounds have been shown to produce a clinical response. Clinical studies were performed to determine the effectiveness of interferon-α (IFN-α) in MM, which has also recently been shown to function as a survival factor for MM cells. The effects of different doses of native human leukocyte interferon-α (nhIFN-α), recombinant human interferon-α2a (rhIFN-α2a) and recombinant human interferon-α2b (rhIFN-α2b) on in vitro P3-X63-Ag8.653 mouse myeloma cell growth were compared. A statistically significant dose-dependent reduction in cell viability following cell culture with nhIFN-αwas observed. On the other hand, a statistically significant increase in cell viability was observed following cell culture with rhIFN-α2a and rhIFN-α2b, but only in relation to the control group and seemingly without dose dependency. These results highlight the importance of the type of human IFN-αused in the treatment and study of MM, and suggest that nhIFN-α may have a role in future personalized therapy approaches.
Human Telomerase Gene Amplification and High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Women with Cervical Intra-Epithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Takač I , Arko D , Kodrič T , Poljak M , Zagorac A , Erjavec-Škerget A , Kokalj-Vokač N
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to investigate whether a correlation exists between amplification of the human telomerase gene (human telomerase RNA component [ TERC]) and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in 101 women with cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). Eight patients (7.9%) had CIN 1, 24 (23.8%) had CIN 2 and 69 (68.3%) had CIN 3. TERC was amplified in 31.7% of all CIN patients. The difference in frequency of TERC amplification between patients with low-grade CIN (CIN 1) and those with high-grade CIN (CIN 2 and CIN 3) was not significant. HR-HPV infection was detected in 88.1% of all CIN cases and was significantly more frequent in patients with CIN 2 and CIN 3 than in patients with CIN 1. There was no significant difference in the frequency of HR-HPV infection between groups of patients with and without TERC amplification. In conclusion, this study found no correlation between TERC amplification and HR-HPV infection in patients with CIN.
Polymorphism L26V in the Cathepsin B Gene may be Associated with a Risk of Prostate Cancer and Differentiation
Authors: Štiblar-Martinčič D , Hajdinjak T
Published: February 2013

Cathepsin B is a lysosomal enzyme thought to be involved in tumour cell invasion and metastasis. This study was designed to investigate the presence of a known leucine to valine mutation at position 26 (L26V) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the cathepsin B ( CTSB) gene in a Slovenian Caucasian population, and to evaluate the association with risk of prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa). A total of 168 PCa patients were compared with 168 controls. There was a significant difference between the frequency of alleles in control subjects and PCa patients: the VV genotype was found in 35.7% of the controls versus 48.8% of the PCa patients. The relative risk for the VV genotype in PCa patients was 1.71. When evaluating the frequency of alleles of the CTSB gene according to tumour grade, increased frequency of the VV genotype was associated with less differentiated tumours. The VV genotype of the CTSB L26V SNP may indicate an increased risk for PCa and less differentiated cancer (higher Gleason score).
Association between Sub-Clinical Acetabular Dysplasia and a Younger Age at Hip Arthroplasty in Idiopathic Osteoarthritis
Authors: Recnik G , Vengust R , Kralj-Iglič V , Vogrin M , Krajnc Z , Kramberger S
Published: February 2013

This retrospective study was designed to investigate whether sub-clinical acetabular dysplasia, defined by a reduced centre-edge angle of Wiberg, was associated with a younger age at hip arthroplasty in patients with idiopathic osteoarthritis (OA). Fifty-four patients with 69 performed arthroplasties and no previous referral for hip dysplasia were selected from a list of consecutive recipients of hip endoprostheses due to idiopathic OA. The centre-edge angle was measured from standard pelvic radiographs taken a mean of 5.1 years prior to the endoprosthesis operation when there were minimal signs of hip OA. The age at which hip arthroplasty was carried out was compared between those patients with low (20° − 35°) and those with high (≥ 35°) centre-edge angles. The mean age at hip arthroplasty was significantly younger in the group with centre-edge angles of 20° − 35° (65.6 years) compared with those with centre-edge angles ≥ 35° (69.2 years). These results suggest that sub-clinical acetabular dysplasia was associated with a younger age at hip arthroplasty in idiopathic OA.
Molecular Diagnosis of PMP22 Gene Duplications and Deletions: Comparison of Different Methods
Authors: Herodež Š Stangler , Zagradišnik B , Škerget A Erjavec , Zagorac A , Vokač N Kokalj
Published: February 2013

Several techniques can be used to diagnose Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP), but no technique combines simplicity with high sensitivity. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was applied to develop an efficient and sensitive test for the detection of duplication/deletion of the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene. The study sample included 70 probands that had each been previously analysed by fluorescence in situ hibridization (FISH) and the restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) assay, both of which detect a unique recombination fragment uniquely present in most patients with the duplication. A total of nine duplications and 19 deletions were detected in the 70 probands using MLPA, and there was 100% concordance between MPLA and FISH. A single duplication was missed by the RFLP-PCR assay, which accords with the lower sensitivity of this method. It is concluded that the MLPA allows accurate detection of PMP22 gene duplications/deletions and could be used for the molecular diagnosis of these two neuropathies.
Bariatric Surgery for Morbid Obesity: Pre-Operative Assessment, Surgical Techniques and Post-Operative Monitoring
Authors: Breznikar B , Dinevski D
Published: February 2013

This observational clinical analysis included 246 patients who underwent surgery for adjustable gastric banding (AGB), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), or gastric bypass (GBP) between May 2005 and December 2008. The most frequent surgical procedure was for AGB (73.2% of patients). A thorough psychological evaluation of the patients was carried out, and pre-and post-operative psychological and dietary support was offered. A total of 111/120 (92.5%) AGB patients, 21/30 (70.0%) LSG patients and 8/36 (22.2%) GBP patients have been monitored for at least 1 year, and their mean weight losses (percentage excess weight loss) were 24.7 kg (52.4%), 46.0 kg (57.9%) and 40.5 kg (77.9%), respectively. The AGB procedure was associated with the fewest complications but is not appropriate for all patients. Good pre-operative psychological evaluation has been shown to be necessary for successful outcomes and, in the super-obese, we prefer to use LSG. Surgeons should learn the skills needed to perform laparoscopic Roux-en-Y GBP as it is likely to become the standard-of-care for the surgical treatment of obesity. The best outcomes following bariatric surgery are achieved with a multidisciplinary approach, including participation in a support group guided by a psychologist.
Telmisartan: A Different Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Protecting a Different Population?
Authors: Burnier M
Published: February 2013

The ONgoing Telmisartan Alone and in combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET™) showed that the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) telmisartan was as protective as the reference-standard ramipril in a broad cross-section of patients at increased cardiovascular risk, but was better tolerated. Telmisartan has a unique profile among ARBs, with a high affinity for the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, a long duration of receptor binding, a high lipophilicity and a long plasma half life. This leads to sustained and powerful blood pressure lowering when compared with the first marketed ARBs, such as losartan and valsartan. Some pharmacological properties of telmisartan clearly distinguish it from other members of the ARB class and may contribute to the clinical effects seen with telmisartan. A class effect for ARBs cannot be assumed. To date, telmisartan is the only ARB that has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk in at-risk cardiovascular patients.
Accelerometry for Evaluation of Gait Pattern in Healthy Soccer Athletes
Authors: Tsivgoulis SD , Papagelopoulos PJ , Efstathopoulos N , Papadakis NC , Kampanis NA , Christakis DG , Katonis PG
Published: February 2013

An accelerometer system was used to measure the characteristics of the motion of 133 healthy male soccer athletes in a 30-s walking test and the data obtained were analysed using the gait evaluation differential entropy method (GEDEM). GEDEM processes gait acceleration data and calculates an index that provides a quantitative evaluation of a subject's gait, at low cost and with negligible effect on the subject. The GEDEM index was not significantly correlated with age, body weight, body mass index, or the number of years of active training. The GEDEM value for the anterior-posterior axis showed a small negative statistically significant correlation with height and the vertical axis was moderately and statistically significantly positively correlated with the time spent training per week. The triaxial accelerometry system described here is easy for subjects and testers to use, and enables measurements to be made on the sports field to evaluate an athlete's musculoskeletal condition with respect to gait stability.
Immunological Study of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Bone Formation
Authors: Guo SQ , Xu JZ , Zou QM , Jiang DM
Published: February 2013

Autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are limited in their clinical application because tissue-engineered bone cannot be pre-fabricated. Allogeneic MSCs are readily available but carry the risk of transplant rejection. It is not yet clear whether allogeneic MSCs can induce a rejection response during bone formation. In this study, two strains of genetically unmatched mini-pigs were used as experimental animals to study the immunological changes in MSCs in vitro and in vivo when generating bone. Mini-pig MSCs showed low immunogenicity during osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that allogeneic MSCs had little or no immunogenicity in osteosis. In conclusion, allogeneic MSCs are an important source of seed cells for the tissue engineering of bone. This favours the clinical application of pre-constructed tissue-engineered bone.
Comparison of Stress Hormone Response, Interleukin-6 and Anaesthetic Characteristics of Two Anaesthetic Techniques: Volatile Induction and Maintenance of Anaesthesia using Sevoflurane versus Total Intravenous Anaesthesia using Propofol and Remifentanil
Authors: Ihn CH , Joo JD , Choi JW , Kim DW , Jeon YS , Kim YS , Jung HS , Kwon SY
Published: February 2013

This prospective randomized study compared the effects of two types of anaesthesia on peri-operative anaesthetic profiles from induction to recovery and on immunological and neurohormonal responses to anaesthesia and surgical stress. Forty patients were assigned to undergo either volatile induction and maintenance of anaesthesia (VIMA) with sevoflurane or total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanil. Plasma adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, glucose and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured at baseline, induction, incision and extubation. TIVA produced a significantly lower intubation score, shorter time to intubation and faster waking time than VIMA, but recovery profiles did not differ. Adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol and glucose levels were significantly lower with TIVA than VIMA, but there was no difference in IL-6 levels between the two groups. TIVA with propofol and remifentanil may be preferable to VIMA with sevoflurane alone because it leads to smoother, more rapid induction, more rapid awakening and lower stress responses to surgical stimuli.
The Effects of Intravesical Chemoimmunotherapy with Gemcitabine and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin in Superficial Bladder Cancer: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Cho DY , Bae JH , Moon DG , Cheon J , Lee JG , Kim JJ , Yoon DK , Park HS
Published: February 2013

This prospective study investigated the long-term effects of intravesical chemoimmunotherapy with gemcitabine (GEM) and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG; n = 36) versus BCG alone ( n = 51) for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer. For the chemoimmunotherapy (GEM + BCG) group, GEM (1000 mg) was instilled immediately after transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) and again (2000 mg) 1 week later. From 2 to 7 weeks after TURBT, BCG was instilled into the bladder of all patients once weekly. The recurrence-free period of the GEM + BCG group (24.13 months) was significantly longer than that of the BCG monotherapy group (19.81 months). The overall recurrence rate was similar between the groups, although at 6 and 9 months post-TURBT, GEM + BCG produced a significantly lower rate of recurrence compared with BCG alone. This study suggests that intravesical chemoimmunotherapy with GEM + BCG is effective in reducing early tumour recurrence and in prolonging the recurrence-free period of superficial bladder cancer.
Real-Time Fluorescent Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Study of Polo-Like Kinase-1 in Pterygia
Authors: Lu H , Lou DH , Zhu LL
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to examine the expression of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) mRNA in 16 pterygia and 13 normal conjunctival tissue specimens using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was used as the housekeeping gene. The difference in threshold cycle value (Δ Ct) was derived for PLK1 and GAPDH for each sample assayed, and the difference between the paired samples (ΔΔ Ct) was calculated. The mean ± SD Δ Ct of PLK1 mRNA was 9.56 ± 1.30 in pterygia compared with 10.71 ± 1.39 in normal conjunctiva. The expression of PLK1 mRNA in pterygium was 2.08 - 2.36 times that in normal conjunctiva; this difference was statistically significant. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR analysis appears to be effective and sensitive when determining the level of PLK1 mRNA expression. Using this method, it was demonstrated that PLK1 mRNA is over-expressed in pterygia, indicating a probable role for PLK1 in their development.
Bladder Dysfunction in Infants with Primary Vesicoureteric Reflux
Authors: Demirbag S , Atabek C , Caliskan B , Guven A , Sakarya M T , Surer I , Ozturk H
Published: February 2013

There is growing evidence that bladder dysfunction is a negative prognostic factor for spontaneous resolution of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR). This study evaluated the prevalence of urodynamic abnormalities in infants with primary VUR who were referred over a 4-year period. The urodynamic evaluations and medical records of 54 infants with primary VUR (79 ureters with reflux) were reviewed prospectively. Urodynamic dysfunction was observed in 46.3% ( n = 25) of infants with primary VUR; 35.2% ( n = 19) had a low bladder capacity and 11.1% ( n = 6) had a large bladder capacity. All infants with large bladder capacities also had high grade (IV-V) VUR. In conclusion, there was a close relationship between bladder dysfunction and primary VUR. For that reason, urodynamic testing of infants with primary VUR should be performed as part of routine clinical evaluations.
Factors Affecting Prosthetic Rehabilitation Outcomes in Amputees of Age 60 Years and Over
Authors: Hamamura S , Chin T , Kuroda R , Akisue T , Iguchi T , Kohno H , Kitagawa A , Tsumura N , Kurosaka M
Published: February 2013

This retrospective, observational study was designed to investigate factors affecting successful prosthetic ambulation in elderly amputees aged ≥ 60 years. The study included 64 unilateral transfemoral or hip disarticulation amputees. Patients who were able to walk ≥ 100 m with prosthesis were classified as successful and those who could walk < 100 m as failures. Age, comorbidities, cause of amputation, ability to stand on one leg, patient's motivation for walking and maximum oxygen uptake as a proportion of predicted maximum oxygen uptake (%VO2max) during an exercise load test were examined as indicators of physical fitness. Significant differences were noted between the two groups in the number of comorbidities, ability to stand on one leg, patient's motivation for walking and mean %VO2max. A low number of comorbidities, the ability to stand on one leg, motivation for walking and adequate physical fitness allowing an exercise intensity of ≥ 50% VO2max were considered to be predictive factors for successful prosthetic rehabilitation.
Improved Survival in Patients with End-Stage Cancer Treated with Coenzyme Q10 and other Antioxidants: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hertz N , Lister RE
Published: February 2013

This pilot study evaluated the survival of patients with end-stage cancer who received supplements of coenzyme Q10 and a mixture of other antioxidants (e.g. vitamin C, selenium, folic acid and β-carotene). During a period of 9 years, 41 patients who had end-stage cancer were included. Forty patients were followed until death and one patient was lost to follow-up and presumed dead. Primary cancers were located in the breast, brain, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, oesophagus, stomach, colon, prostate, ovaries and skin. The median predicted survival time was calculated from Kaplan-Meier curves for each patient at inclusion. Median predicted survival was 12 months (range 3-29 months), whereas median actual survival was 17 months (1-120 months), which is > 40% longer than the median predicted survival. Mean actual survival was 28.8 months versus 11.9 months for mean predicted survival. Ten patients (24%) survived for less time than predicted, whereas 31 (76%) survived for longer. Treatments were very well tolerated with few adverse effects.
Evaluation of the Effect of 4 Months of Risedronate Therapy on Femoral Strength Using Femoral Strength Analysis Tools
Authors: Takakuwa M , Otsuka K , Konishi M , Itabashi K
Published: February 2013

The effect of risedronate (2.5 mg once daily) on femoral strength was evaluated using Advanced Hip Assessment (AHA) for the first time in Japan. In total, 104 patients with primary osteoporosis and available data on bone mineral density (BMD; lumbar spine/proximal femur), urinary NTx (cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen) and AHA-based parameters collected before and after 4 months of risedronate therapy were included in the analyses. Change and percentage change from baseline in these parameters were determined. Percentage change in femur strength index was 7.9 ± 21.1% and 5.5 ± 18.0% for the right and left femurs, respectively; both increases were statistically significant. Cross-sectional moment of inertia, cross-sectional area and mean neck width in the femoral neck region of interest also increased significantly in both femurs. Percentage change in lumbar spine BMD (L2 - L4) was 3.0 ± 3.7%, and proximal femoral BMD was 1.1 ± 3.1% and 0.7 ± 3.2% in the right and left femurs, respectively, all showing a significant increase from baseline. Percentage change in urinary NTx was −41.5 ± 30.5%, which was a significant decrease. Using AHA, this study showed that, in patients with primary osteoporosis, risedronate improved BMD and bone quality, thereby enhancing femoral strength as early as 4 months after treatment initiation.
Alterations of Serum and Placental Endoglin in Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Fang M , He Y , Li H , Wu M , Shi X , Du H
Published: February 2013

Serum levels of endoglin were measured in pre-eclamptic women in their third trimester and in women in their second trimester who later developed preeclampsia. Placental levels of endoglin at birth were also determined in preeclamptic women and healthy controls. Serum endoglin was significantly higher in pre-eclamptic women in the third trimester than in controls (median 35.15 versus 10.35 ng/ml, respectively) and in women with severe compared with mild pre-eclampsia (median 51.68 versus 20.99 ng/ml, respectively). Placental endoglin was also significantly higher in pre-eclamptic women than controls (median 26.24 versus 9.21 ng/mg, respectively) and in women with severe compared with mild pre-eclampsia (median 28.77 versus 13.38 ng/mg, respectively). Pregnant women in the second trimester who eventually developed pre-eclampsia had significantly higher serum endoglin than age- and gestational age-matched controls (median 5.90 versus 5.20 ng/ml, respectively). These findings suggest that endoglin plays an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Association of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Gene Promoter Polymorphisms with Multiple Sclerosis in Turkish Patients
Authors: Akcali A , Pehlivan S , Pehlivan M , Sever T , Neyal M
Published: February 2013

Elevated levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) have been observed in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis. This study was designed to determine if MIF gene polymorphisms are associated with multiple sclerosis and disease severity. In total, 120 relapsing-remitting patients with multiple sclerosis and 120 control subjects were enrolled in the study. There was a statistically significant increase in the MIF −173 CC genotype in patients with multiple sclerosis compared with the control subjects. The MIF −794 6/7 genotype had a significantly lower progression index compared with MIF −794 6/6. Patients with the MIF −173 CC genotype had a significantly lower age of disease onset compared with those with the MIF −173 CG and MIF −173 GG genotypes. Additionally, patients with the MIF −794 5/6 genotype had a significantly later age of disease onset. This study indicates that the MIF −173 CC genotype may cause susceptibility to multiple sclerosis in the white Turkish population and a younger age of disease onset is associated with this polymorphism.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ (PPARγ) Agonist Improves Coronary Artery Endothelial Function in Diabetic Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Yu J , Zhang Z , Li Z , Feng X , He L , Liu S , Mao J , Wang G , Wang X
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of rosiglitazone on endothelial function of the coronary arteries and on plasma levels of inflammatory markers in diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Fifty-six patients with type 2 diabetes and CAD were randomized to receive either rosiglitazone (4 mg/day) or a control for 12 weeks. The coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) was assessed using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography at baseline and after 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of rosiglitazone treatment, plasma levels of C-reactive protein were significantly decreased and the median CFVR was significantly increased compared with baseline levels and compared with the control group. These results suggest that, in addition to its beneficial metabolic effects, rosiglitazone, via its anti-inflammatory effects, may improve endothelial function of the coronary arteries in patients with diabetes and CAD.
The Impact of Early Diastolic Myocardial Relaxation on the other Parameters of Diastolic Function and Association of Tissue Doppler Parameters of Diastolic Function with Diabetes Compensation and Duration in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Charvát J , Chlumský J , Šváb P , Zamrazil V
Published: February 2013

This study assessed the impact of tissue Doppler derived myocardial early diastolic relaxation velocity (Em) on the other parameters of diastolic function (preload dependent transmitral early diastolic velocity [ E], tissue Doppler derived myocardial late diastolic velocity [Am], preload dependent transmitral late diastolic velocity [ A]) and evaluated the correlation of these parameters with selected clinical variables in type 2 diabetic patients. Using tissue Doppler echocardiography, 82 type 2 diabetic patients were evaluated, divided into two equal groups of Em < 7.5 cm/s or ≥ 7.5 cm/s. Patients with Em < 7.5 cm/s had significantly lower E/A and Em/Am, and higher E/Em values. Multilinear regression showed a negative correlation between Em and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and duration of diabetes, a negative correlation of Em/Am with age, duration of diabetes and HbA1c, and a positive correlation of E/Em with age, duration of diabetes and use of diuretics. The E/A ratio only correlated negatively with age. It is concluded that Em is a reliable parameter of diastolic function, and that the tissue Doppler parameters of diastolic function are associated with diabetes compensation and diabetes duration.
Pre-Measured Length Using Landmarks on Posteroanterior Chest Radiographs for Placement of the Tip of a Central Venous Catheter in the Superior Vena Cava
Authors: Lee JB , Lee YM
Published: February 2013

Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a common procedure but catheter misplacement is a frequent complication and can be lethal. Most CVCs are inserted at a recommended mean depth of 15 cm from the skin puncture site. Chest radiographs are used to confirm the positioning of CVCs, with the carina regarded as a reliable landmark for tip placement. The C-length, defined as the distance from the edge of the right transverse process of the first thoracic spine to the carina, can be measured on posteroanterior chest radiographs. To test the accuracy of C-length based CVC placement, 637 adult patients scheduled to undergo elective major abdominal procedures and neurological surgical procedures requiring CVC were randomized to undergo either the 15-cm guided method or the C-length guided method for placement of the CVC tip into the superior vena cava (SVC). All the CVC tips in the C-length group were successfully placed in the SVC. These findings indicate that the pre-measured C-length using two landmarks can be used to determine the insertion length and to place the CVC tip successfully into the SVC.
The Effects of Interferon α2b on Chemically-Induced Peritoneal Fibrosis and on Peritoneal Tissue MMP-2 and TIMP-2 Levels in Rats
Authors: Ucar E , Borazan A , Semerci E , Binici DN , Yaldiz M , Aysal A , Altug E , Kuvandik C , Huzmeli C , Yetim T , Canda S
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the effect of interferon α2b on chlorhexidine gluconate (CH)-induced peritoneal fibrosis (PF) in rats and assessed peritoneal tissue levels of metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2. Wistar albino rats ( n = 8 per group) were treated as follows: control group, 3 ml/day of 0.9% saline intra-peritoneally for 28 days; CH group, 0.1% CH (200 g [3 ml]/day) in 15% ethanol and 0.9% saline intra-peritoneally for 28 days; CH + interferon (IFN) group, CH (as above) plus pegylated IFN-α2b 1.5 μg/kg per week subcutaneously on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28; IFN group, pegylated IFN-α2b (as above).

Parietal peritoneum samples were obtained from the left anterior abdominal wall after 35 days. Parietal thickness, degree of vascular proliferation and inflammation, and MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels were determined. The mean peritoneal thicknesses of the control, CH, CH + IFN and IFN groups were 7.02 ± 3.89, 156.86 ± 29.13, 59.88 ± 22.1, 9.27 ± 2.03 μm, respectively. Pegylated IFN-α2b decreased CH-induced expression of MMP-2 in the parietal peritoneum, but had no effect on TIMP-2 levels. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and duration for pegylated IFN-α2b treatment.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes and their Relationship to Clinical Laboratory Outcomes in Tibetan and Han Chinese
Authors: Li D-D , Ding L , Wang J , Meilang Q-C , Lu X-J , Song X-B , Tao C-M , Ying B-W , Wang L-L
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in Tibetan and Han nationalities in Sichuan Province, China, and their clinical significance. Sera from 376 patients (286 Han nationals, 90 Tibetan nationals) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. Of the 286 Han nationals, 127 were HBV asymptomatic carriers, 90 were symptomatic patients and 69 had hepatocellular carcinoma. The distribution of HBV genotypes was related to geography as well as ethnicity. The HBV genotype frequencies were: B, 57.9%; C, 16.0%; and BC, 26.1%. Association studies between genotypes and clinical laboratory outcomes showed HBV genotype C to be more virulent. There was a higher prevalence of mixed genotype BC in Tibetan nationals compared with Han nationals. There was no synergistic effect in terms of virulence in patients co-infecte with genotypes B and C.
Effects of Metabolic Syndrome on Early Mortality and Morbidity in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients
Authors: Ozyazicioglu A , Yalcinkaya S , Vural AH , Yumun G , Bozkurt Ö
Published: February 2013

Metabolic syndrome is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor closely related to increased insulin resistance. This study assessed the effects of metabolic syndrome on early post-operative mortality and morbidity in 100 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients: 50 patients with and 50 without metabolic syndrome. A total of 17 patients were excluded from the analysis as they did not attend follow-up, leaving 51 males (61.4%) and 32 (38.6%) females of mean ± SD age 60.02 ± 9.76 years for analysis. Diabetes, hypertension and a high body mass index were significantly more common in patients with metabolic syndrome. A statistically significant relationship was found between metabolic syndrome and surgical wound infection. Non-significant positive correlations were found between metabolic syndrome and post-operative atrial fibrillation, surgical revision due to haemorrhage, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and prolonged intubation. In conclusion, metabolic syndrome did not affect mortality, but did increase the risk of postoperative surgical wound infection.
Valsartan Increases Circulating Adiponectin Levels without Changing HOMA-IR in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension
Authors: Lee J-M , Kim J-H , Son H-S , Hong E-G , Yu J-M , Han K-A , Min K-W , Chang S-A
Published: February 2013

Evaluating increasing circulating adiponectin levels is becoming an important strategy in the prevention of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular events. This study was designed to investigate the effect of the angiotensin II receptor blocker valsartan on blood adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes and mild-to-moderate hypertension. A total of 91 Korean patients were treated with 80 mg/day valsartan for 4 weeks followed by 160 mg/day for a further 8 weeks. Blood pressure, adiponectin levels and metabolic parameters were measured before and after treatment. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated as an insulin sensitivity index. Valsartan significantly decreased mean blood pressure and increased circulating adiponectin levels. There were no differences in metabolic parameters, including HOMA-IR, glycosylated haemoglobin and lipid levels before and after treatment. These results indicated that valsartan increases circulating adiponectin levels, but does not change insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes and mild-to-moderate hypertension.
Prognosis and Expression of Lambda Light Chains in Solitary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Head and Neck: Two Case Reports and a Literature Review
Authors: Liu HY , Luo XM , Zhou SH , Zheng ZJ
Published: February 2013

Two cases of extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) of the head and neck, an uncommon plasma cell neoplasm, were studied. Both patients had good outcomes and have been followed for 17 and 12 years without recurrence or systemic disease. In these two cases, the tumours measured were 4 cm and 0.3 cm, and both cases were positive for lambda light chain restriction on immunohistochemistry. Prognostic factors were considered, based on a review of EMP of the head and neck, including published reports and the authors' clinical experience. Of all plasma cell tumours, EMP has the best prognosis, especially when located in the head and neck region. Variation in the biological behaviour of EMP and the limited number of documented cases make it difficult to determine prognostic factors. Some series have found that age, tumour size, site of origin (extramedullary versus bone), grade, M-protein, light chains and radiotherapy dose all influence the outcome in EMP patients.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism Associated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome among Caucasians
Authors: Hu Z , Jin X , Kang Y , Liu C , Zhou Y , Wu X , Liu J , Zhong M , Luo C , Deng L , Deng Y , Xie X , Zhang Z , Zhou Y , Liao X
Published: February 2013

Studies investigating the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion polymorphisms and the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) report conflicting results. The objective of the present study was to summarize quantitatively the evidence for such a relationship. Two investigators independently searched the MEDLINE (January 1966 - October 2009) and EMBASE (January 1980 - October 2009) databases. This meta-analysis included six case-control studies, which included 514 ARDS cases and 2619 controls. The combined results based on all studies showed that patients with ARDS had a significantly higher frequency of the ACE deletion/deletion (DD) genotype (odds ratio [OR] 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22, 2.00) than controls. When stratifying for race, no significant differences in genotype distribution were found except that Caucasian patients with ARDS had a significantly higher frequency of the DD genotype (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.27, 2.13) than controls. This meta-analysis suggests that ACE insertion/deletion polymorphisms may be associated with ARDS among Caucasians.
The Significance of the Measurement of Serum Xanthine Oxidase and Oxidation Markers in Patients with Acute Organophosphorus Pesticide Poisoning
Authors: Zhang J-W , Lv G-C , Zhao Y
Published: February 2013

This study investigated whether xanthine oxidase (XO) plays an important role in the mechanism of toxicity of acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (AOPP). The serum activities of XO, superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase-1 (PON1), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were compared in 49 patients with AOPP and 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Serum XO and MDA activities were higher and the serum SOD, PON1 and BChE activities were lower in the AOPP patients compared with the controls. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between XO activity and the SOD, PON1 and BChE activities, but a significant positive correlation between XO activity and MDA. These results suggest that increased activity of XO and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity contribute to the development of oxidative injury in AOPP patients. Thus, effective antioxidant therapy may be a therapeutic option following AOPP.
Evaluation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Using Cystatin C in Diabetic Patients Analysed by Multiple Factors Including Tubular Function
Authors: Zhang P-P , Zhan J-F , Xie H-L , Li L-S , Liu Z-H
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of serum cystatin C (CysC) as a marker of renal function in 83 patients with diabetic nephropathy, considering multiple factors including tubular function and body mass index. Serum CysC was assayed using a particle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was obtained by measuring the plasma disappearance of the isotope 99mTc-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid. By comparing the correlation of CysC and serum creatinine (SCr) with GFR, it was concluded that CysC may be a better indicator of GFR than SCr in diabetic patients, in both the early hypertransfusion stage and in the late renal dysfunction stage. CysC showed a slightly higher sensitivity for renal function evaluation than SCr in patients with renal tubular dysfunction and moderate to severe proteinuria. In addition, CysC was not affected by the metabolic index. Thus, CysC may serve as an ideal endogenous marker of GFR in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Over-Expression of the Endocan Gene in Endothelial Cells from Hepatocellular Carcinoma is Associated with Angiogenesis and Tumour Invasion
Authors: Chen L-Y , Liu X , Wang S-L , Qin C-Y
Published: February 2013

Endocan plays a role in tumour angiogenesis and tumour growth. The aim of this study was to detect the expression of endocan in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumour-associated endothelial cells and to correlate endocan expression with clinicopathological parameters and tumour angiogenesis. Tumour tissues and surrounding non-cancerous hepatic parenchyma from 42 primary HCC patients were studied. Endothelial cells were isolated using magnetic microbeads conjugated with anti-CD31 and endocan expression was evaluated by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Endocan was significantly over-expressed in endothelial cells isolated from HCC tumours compared with corresponding non-cancerous liver tissues. In addition, the endocan mRNA level was significantly correlated with the serum α-fetoprotein level, intra-tumoural microvessel density, vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA, and vascular and venous invasion. The over-expression of endocan in tumour endothelial cells was closely related to the process of angiogenesis and pathogenesis in HCC, and suggests that endocan might be a useful marker for HCC progression.
Effect of Sperminated Pullulans on Drug Permeation through Isolated Rabbit Cornea and Determination of Ocular Irritation
Authors: Yu N , Xun Y , Jin D , Yang H , Hang T , Cui H
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two sperminated pullulans (SP) with a different number of amino groups (SP-L, amino group content 0.124 mmol/g polymer; and SP-H, amino group content 0.578 mmol/g polymer) on the permeation of drugs through isolated rabbit corneas. Determination of corneal hydration levels and Draize eye tests were performed to assess the safety of SP both in vitro and in vivo. For 0.2% (w/v) SP-L and 0.2% (w/v) SP-H, the enhancement ratios (ERs) with dexamethasone of 1.34 and 1.42, respectively, were not statistically significant. For ofloxacin, tobramycin and sodium fluorescein, the ERs with 0.2% SP-L were 1.37, 2.02 and 2.12, respectively, and with 0.2% SP-H the ERs were 1.84, 4.69 and 6.87, respectively; these ERs were all statistically significant. Enhancement increased with increasing amino group content of the SP. The improved transcorneal drug absorption via the paracellular route indicated opening of the tight junctions in the corneal epithelium. Irritation tests indicated that 0.2% SP-L and 0.2% SP-H did not damage the corneal tissues.
Incidental Non-Secreting Adrenal Masses in Cancer Patients: Intra-Individual Comparison of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography with Computed Tomography and Shift Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Gratz S , Kemke B , Kaiser W , Heinis J , Behr TM , Höffken H
Published: February 2013

The ability of integrated 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) to distinguish between benign and malignant incidental non-secreting adrenal masses was evaluated in cancer patients. Results were compared with those of CT and shift magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A total of 1832 cancer patients who had undergone FDG PET/CT scans were retrospectively evaluated. Visual interpretation, tumour maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), liver SUVmax and tumour/liver SUVmax ratios were correlated with the findings of CT, shift MRI and final diagnosis (based on biopsy or clinical/radiological follow-up). A total of 109 adrenal masses were found: 49 were malignant and 60 were benign on final diagnosis. A tumour/liver SUVmax ratio threshold of 1.0 was more accurate in differentiating the tumour type than tumour SUVmax or visual interpretation alone. Diagnostic accuracy of CT and shift MRI (92 − 97%) was similar to that for FDG PET/CT (94 − 97%). In conclusion, FDG PET/CT accurately characterizes adrenal tumours, with excellent sensitivity and specificity. Use of 1.0 as the threshold for the tumour/liver SUVmax ratio seems to be promising for distinguishing benign from malignant adrenal masses in cancer patients.