bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase II Study of Pre-Operative Radiotherapy with Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin for Rectal Cancer and Carcinoembryonic Antigen as a Predictor of Pathological Tumour Response
Authors: Lin JZ , Zeng ZF , Wu XJ , Wan DS , Chen G , Li LR , Lu ZH , Ding PR , Pan ZZ
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of pre-operative radiotherapy with concurrent capecitabine and oxaliplatin in patients with rectal cancer. Forty-seven patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (stages T3 – T4; node-positive) were enrolled and received radiotherapy (46 Gy in 23 fractions) in combination with capecitabine (1000 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1–14 and 22–35) and oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2 on days 1 and 22) (XELOX regimen). The main endpoints were safety and efficacy, as assessed by pathological complete response (pCR). All patients received pre-operative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as planned. The most common severe toxicity was diarrhoea (12.8%); post-operative complications were rare (9.8%). The pCR rate was 20.9% in all patients and 34.8% in patients with normal pre-CRT serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA < 5 ng/ml) level, compared with 5.0% in the patients with elevated CEA (> 5 ng/ml). In conclusion, pre-operative radiotherapy with concurrent XELOX regimen in rectal cancer patients is feasible and effective. Serum CEA may be a suitable predictor of pCR.
Forskolin Compared with Beclomethasone for Prevention of Asthma Attacks: A Single-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Huerta M , Urzúa Z , Trujillo X , González-Sánchez R , Trujillo-Hernández B
Published: February 2013

This single-blind study compared the efficacy of oral forskolin versus inhaled beclomethasone for mild or moderately persistent adult asthma. Patients were randomly assigned to receive forskolin (one 10-mg capsule orally per day; n = 30) or beclomethasone (two 50 μg inhalations every 12 h; n = 30) for 2 months. No statistically significant improvement occurred in any lung function parameter in the forskolin-treated patients. Subjects in the beclomethasone-treated group presented a slight but statistically significant improvement in percentage forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), percentage forced expiratory flow in the middle (25–75%) expiratory phase (FEF25–75%) and percentage forced vital capacity (FVC) after 2 months of treatment, though the improvement in absolute values for FEV1, FEF25–75%, FVC and FEV1:FVC did not reach statistical significance. There was no statistically significant difference between the forskolin and beclomethasone treatment groups for any lung function parameter at baseline or after treatment. None of the beclomethasone-treated patients had an asthma attack and one forskolin-treated patient had a mild asthma attack during the 2-month study period. More studies are needed in adult asthma patients to confirm whether forskolin may be a useful preventive treatment for mild or moderately persistent adult asthma.
Feasibility Study of Vertical Subcutaneous Injection of Insulin with an Insulin Pen Injector in Diabetic Patients with Normal Body Mass Index
Authors: Zhou L , Fan Y-F , Lu X-Q , Ye J-P , Ye M-H
Published: February 2013

This study explored the feasibility of vertical insulin injection with an insulin pen injector in 40 Chinese diabetic outpatients with a normal body mass index. The patients, who received insulin in the hospital clinic, were assessed for abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness and distribution at four abdominal points using ultrasonography. Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness and distribution were found to be heterogeneous and to differ significantly at these four points. Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness was < 5 mm in nine of the 40 patients. In patients with abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness of < 5 mm, vertical insulin injection risks injecting into the muscle layer and is, therefore, not desirable. Vertical injection into pinched skin with a rotary syringe is safe and effective in such patients.
Pre-Mixed Rapid-Acting Insulin 50/50 Analogue Twice Daily is Useful Not Only for Controlling Post-Prandial Blood Glucose, but Also for Stabilizing the Diurnal Variation of Blood Glucose Levels: Switching from Pre-Mixed Insulin 70/30 or 75/25 to Pre-Mixed Insulin 50/50
Authors: Tanaka M , Ishii H
Published: February 2013

This study assessed the clinical effects of switching from twice-daily rapid-acting insulin 70/30 or 75/25 to twice-daily rapid-acting insulin lispro mixture 50/50 (Mix 50/50) in order to stabilize the diurnal variation of blood glucose levels in patients who showed poor control of blood glucose levels on their original medication. The patients were hospitalized for the switch. The initial dose (units of insulin) of Mix 50/50 that patients were switched to was the same as that of the insulin preparations that they were receiving previously. Mix 50/50 significantly suppressed blood glucose elevation from the time before breakfast to the period between breakfast and lunch and also from the time before supper to the period between supper and bedtime, thereby stabilizing the diurnal variation of blood glucose levels. None of the patients experienced any episodes of hypoglycaemia. In conclusion, switching to twice-daily Mix 50/50 insulin injections controlled post-prandial blood glucose levels and stabilized diurnal blood glucose variations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had poor glucose control on insulin 70/30 or 75/25.
Clinicopathological Features of Solitary Fibrous Tumours in the Extremities: Four Case Reports and a Literature Review
Authors: Wan S , Ning L , Hong R , Wu W , Fan S , Tsuchiya H , Tomita K
Published: February 2013

This paper reports on the clinicopathological features of four patients with solitary fibrous tumours arising from the extremities and presents a review of the relevant literature. The patients consisted of three women and one man, with a mean age of 47.8 years. Standard pre-operative work-up data were examined, including: history, clinical examination, plain radiography, computed tomography scans of the lesion and chest, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, technetium-99m bone scan, thallium-201 scintigraphy and routine laboratory tests. Immunohisto chemical staining was performed for CD34, Bcl-2 protein, vimentin, S-100 protein, desmin and smooth muscle actin, and pathological material was reviewed for the presence of histologically malignant components. Immunohistochemically, all of the tumours were diffusely positive for CD34. Clinical and radiological findings of solitary fibrous tumours affecting the extremities are reminiscent of those of aggressive or malignant soft tissue tumours. Pathological and immunohistochemical studies are important in making the correct diagnosis.
Early Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
Authors: Baykul T , Yilmaz HH , Aydin Ü , Aydin MA , Aksoy MÇ , Yildirim D
Published: February 2013

Survival rates for oral cancer are very poor, at approximately 50% overall, and have not improved markedly in recent decades despite advances in therapeutic interventions. Detecting oral cancer at an early stage is believed to be the most effective means of reducing rates of death, morbidity and disfigurement from this disease. Tobacco and alcohol consumption and pre-malign lesions are the most common aetiological factors. The proportion of patients presenting with oral cancer at an advanced stage is troubling. Early diagnosis is the most effective way of reducing the individual burden of the disease, decreasing morbidity and mortality and improving quality of life. For early diagnosis, healthcare providers should perform oral cancer examinations as part of their patient care regime, and need to be knowledgeable about early signs of oral carcinoma. Oral cancer awareness among the public should also be improved.
Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Polymorphisms and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Qin H , Liu B , Shi T , Liu Y , Sun Y , Ma Y
Published: February 2013

The genetic basis of susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. To summarize the quantitative association between polymorphisms of the tumour necrosis factor-α ( TNFA) gene and HCC, a meta-analysis of relevant studies was performed. Ten case–control studies involving 1421 HCC cases were identified from the Medline®, Embase® and Current Contents® databases. Combined results based on all studies showed that patients with HCC had a significantly lower frequency of the TNFA gene polymorphism −308GG than healthy controls. When stratifying for race, results were similar among Asians and Caucasians. When comparing with hepatitis B virus infection cases, no statistical association was found. This meta-analysis suggests that TNFA −308GG gene polymorphism is associated with a modest decrease in the risk of HCC.
Adiponectin Levels in Non-obese First-degree Relatives of Type 2 Diabetes Patients and Non-diabetic Subjects: A 5-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Liu J , Wang F , Cha Y , Chen ZP , Ding HY
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to investigate adiponectin levels and their relationship to various parameters at baseline and after 5 years in non-obese first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetes patients (FDR group) versus subjects without a family history of diabetes (normal group). Adiponectin levels at baseline were lower in the FDR group versus the normal group. After 5 years, adiponectin levels had fallen significantly in both the FDR (24.3% reduction) and the normal (35.7% reduction) groups. Adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with waist/hip ratio, fasting plasma glucose, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and insulin resistance in the FDR group. When adjusted for relevant risk factors, adiponectin was associated with age, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and IMT; these factors explained 45% of the variation in adiponectin in the FDR group. In the normal group, multiple regression analyses revealed that low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and IMT explained 25% of the variability in the adiponectin concentration. In both groups, however, the correlation between adiponectin and IMT just failed to reach statistical significance in this population group. We conclude that adiponectin levels were reduced in non-obese first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes and normal individuals over a 5-year period. This study supports previous findings that hypoadiponectinaemia is a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
Mutations in the β-Myosin Heavy Chain Gene in Southern Chinese Families with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zheng DD , Yang JH , Tao Q , Geng M , Lin J , Yang XJ , Song JP , Li HX , Han LH , Jiang WP
Published: February 2013

In this study, 14 unrelated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) probands were scanned by polymerase chain reaction– single-strand conformation poly morphism analysis and DNA sequencing. Three mis-sense mutations of the β-myosin heavy chain gene, MYH7, were found: valine (Val) 606 methionine (Met), arginine (Arg) 694 leucine (Leu), and Arg 723 glycine (Gly). All are reported here for the first time in Chinese subjects. The results showed that: Val606Met is an intermediate malignancy mutation; Arg694Leu is a novel mutation with a benign phenotype; and the Arg723Gly mutation is linked to malignancy – it can lead not only to HCM but also to dilated cardiomyopathy at various ages. The clinical symptoms associated with Arg723Gly emerged early and caused more severe clinical manifestation and poorer prognosis in females than in males. Mis-sense mutations were not detected in the myosin binding protein C, cardiac, cardiac troponin T type 2, or cardiac troponin I type 3 genes. The MYH7 gene may be an HCM mutation hotspot in the Chinese and have unique features in this study population.
Validity of Proxy Data Obtained by Different Psychological Autopsy Information Reconstruction Techniques
Authors: Fang L , Zhang J
Published: February 2013

Two informants were interviewed for each of 416 living controls (individuals sampled from the normal population) interviewed in a Chinese case–control psychological autopsy study. The validity of proxy data, obtained using seven psychological autopsy information reconstruction techniques (types 1, 2 and A – E), was evaluated, with living controls' self reports used as the gold-standard. Proxy data for reconstruction technique types 1, 2 and D on the Impulsivity Inventory Scale (total impulsivity score) were no different from the living controls' self report gold standard, whereas data for types A and E were smaller than data from living controls. On the ‘acceptance or resignation’ sub-scale of the avoidance coping dimension of the Moos Coping Response Inventory, information obtained by reconstruction technique types 1 and D was not significantly different from the living controls' self reports, whereas proxy data from types 2, A and E were smaller than those from the living controls. No statistically significant differences were identified for other proxy data obtained by reconstruction technique types 1, 2, A, D and E. These results indicate that using a second informant does not significantly enhance information reconstruction for the target.
Evaluation of the Antiobesity Effects of an Amino Acid Mixture and Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Exercising Healthy Overweight Humans: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Michishita T , Kobayashi S , Katsuya T , Ogihara T , Kawabuchi K
Published: February 2013

This single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of administering a mixture of four amino acids (lysine, proline, alanine and arginine) with or without conjugated linoleic acid to healthy overweight humans before and after exercising. Forty-one healthy subjects (body mass index ≥ 23 to < 30 kg/m2) completed the study following randomization to receive either placebo or one of three test supplements: amino acid mixture 0.76 g/day; amino acid mixture 1.52 g/day; or amino acid mixture 1.52 g/day coadministered with conjugated linoleic acid 1.6 g/day. Each of the study treatments was administered 30 min before and immediately after a period of daily exercise, which was delivered by an exercise expert, for a period of 12 weeks. When compared with the placebo group, several indicators, such as waist and hip circumferences, were found to have significantly decreased in the test supplement groups compared with the placebo. These results suggest that ingestion of these supplements might enhance the fat-burning effects of exercise.
Common Carotid Artery Intima-media Thickness is not Increased but Distensibility is Reduced in Normotensive Patients with Type 2 Diabetes compared with Control Subjects
Authors: Charvat J , Chlumsky J , Zakovicova E , Kvapil M
Published: February 2013

This study evaluated carotid artery parameters in normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes compared with non-diabetic control subjects. Using a high-resolution B-mode ultrasound scanner, common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid tree atheroma thickness were measured in 82 patients with type 2 diabetes and 41 controls. The distensibility of the common carotid artery was calculated using the Reneman equation. Distensibility was significantly decreased and atheroma thickness was significantly increased in the diabetes group. There was no significant difference in IMT between the two groups. Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed an association between common carotid artery distensibility and post-ischaemic dilatation of the brachial artery (a measure of endothelial function), body mass index and diabetes duration in patients with type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, common carotid artery IMT in normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes is comparable to that of control subjects, whereas atheroma thickness is higher and arterial stiffness more pronounced in those with type 2 diabetes, indicating the existence of atherosclerotic changes in normotensive type 2 diabetes patients.
Non-invasive Indices for the Estimation of the Anaerobic Threshold of Oarsmen
Authors: Erdogan A , Cetin C , Karatosun H , Baydar ML
Published: February 2013

This study compared four common non-invasive indices with an invasive index for determining the anaerobic threshold (AT) in 22 adult male rowers using a Concept2 rowing ergometer. A criterion-standard progressive incremental test (invasive method) measured blood lactate concentrations to determine the 4 mmol/l threshold (La4-AT) and Dmax AT (Dm-AT). This was compared with three indices obtained by analysis of respiratory gases and one that was based on the heart rate (HR) deflection point (HRDP) all of which used the Conconi test (non-invasive methods). In the Conconi test, the HRDP was determined whilst continuously increasing the power output (PO) by 25 W/min and measuring respiratory gases and HR. The La4-AT and Dm-AT values differed slightly with respect to oxygen uptake, PO and HR however, AT values significantly correlated with each other and with the four non-invasive methods. In conclusion, the non-invasive indices were comparable with the invasive index and could, therefore, be used in the assessment of AT during rowing ergometer use. In this population of elite rowers, Conconi threshold (Con-AT), based on the measurement of HRDP tended to be the most adequate way of estimating AT for training regulation purposes.
Experimental Study on Angiogenesis in a Rabbit VX2 Early Liver Tumour by Perfusion Computed Tomography
Authors: Jiang HJ , Lu HB , Zhang ZR , Wang YM , Huang Q , Huang YH , Li JP , Shu SJ , Wang JE
Published: February 2013

Ten rabbits implanted with VX2 liver tumours were investigated by perfusion computed tomography (PCT) imaging 1 week (early) and 2 weeks (late) after tumour induction; 10 other rabbits were non-implanted controls. Time–density curves, perfusion parametric maps and perfusion parameters were obtained for tumour rim and normal tissue surrounding the tumour, and for liver tissue from the controls. In addition, microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were studied by immunohistochemistry 2 weeks after tumour implantation. A deconvolution mathematical model was used to calculate hepatic blood flow (HBF), hepatic blood volume (HBV), mean transit time (MTT), capillary vessel surface permeability (PS) and hepatic arterial index (HAI). At the tumour rim on the early PCT scan, MTT was significantly lower whereas HBF, HBV, HAI and PS were significantly higher than in surrounding normal tissue. There were no significant changes in perfusion parameters on the late PCT scan compared with the early scan. Significant linear correlations of MVD and VEGF were found with HBF, PS and HAI, but not with HBV or MTT. It is concluded that PCT imaging is useful for the evaluation of tumour angiogenesis and for the early detection of liver tumours.
The Beneficial Effect of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Doxorubicin-induced Chronic Heart Failure in Rats
Authors: Teng LL , Shao L , Zhao YT , Yu X , Zhang DF , Zhang H
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to assess the effects of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from fish oil on the response of doxorubicin-induced chronic heart failure in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were treated daily for 8 weeks with normal saline or n-3 PUFA intragastrically after induction of myocardial injury by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin 2 mg/kg once weekly for 8 weeks. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. The cytoprotective role of n-3 PUFA against doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury was demonstrated by light microscopy, and serum cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10) were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Doxorubicin induced death, alterations in echocardiography parameters and histological damage, all of which are features that characterize heart failure. There were significant differences between the doxorubicin-induced heart failure group and the n-3 PUFA-treated group in terms of echocardiography parameters and cytokine changes. Thus, dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA attenuated doxorubicin-induced cardiac dysfunction, an effect that might be associated with recovery from an imbalance of the cytokine network.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Cytochrome P450 and Glutathione S-transferase Associated with Antituberculosis Drug-induced Hepatotoxicity in Chinese Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Wang T , Yu HT , Wang W , Pan YY , He LX , Wang ZY
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 subtype 2E1 ( CYP2E1) and glutathione S-transferase mu 1 ( GSTM1) with susceptibility to antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ADIH) in Chinese tuberculosis patients. All patients were treated with a combination of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. Genomic DNA from 104 patients with ADIH and 111 without ADIH was analysed for the frequency of CYP2E1 RsaI and GSTM1 RsaI genotypes by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The association of polymorphisms with susceptibility to ADIH was calculated using the χ2-test and logistic regression analysis. The CYP2E1 RsaI polymorphisms were significantly associated with ADIH and the c1/c1 genotype was an independent risk factor for ADIH. Compared with the GSTM1 RsaI present genotype, the GSTM1 RsaI null genotype tended to increase susceptibility to ADIH, but the association with ADIH was not significant. The results indicate that CYP2E1 RsaI genotype c1/c1 is a potential risk factor for ADIH in the Chinese population. The tendency of the GSTM1 RsaI null genotype to increase susceptibility to ADIH needs further study.
Growth Suppression of Human Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Adenoviral-mediated Interleukin-12
Authors: Tian L , Chen X , Sun Y , Liu M , Zhu D , Ren J
Published: February 2013

This study explored the inhibitory role of the adenoviral-mediated-interleukin (IL)-12 (Ad.mIL-12) gene in the growth of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Human epithelial type 2 (Hep-2) cells were transfected with Ad.mIL-12, and IL-12 gene expression of the cells was evaluated. The proliferation and apoptosis of Hep-2 cells in vitro were detected by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and flow cytometry. Experimental tumours in mice were injected intratumourally with the same recombinant adenoviruses and inhibition of tumour growth observed. Apoptosis in Hep-2 xenotransplants was detected using TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling) assay and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of IL-12 in Ad.mIL-12 transfected Hep-2 cells was significantly increased. In vitro, Ad.mIL-12 decreased the viability of and increased apoptosis in Hep-2 cells. Increased apoptosis was also seen in vivo. The mean weight and volume of tumours in Ad.mIL-12 treated mice were significantly lower than in the control group. It is concluded that Ad.mIL-12 can suppress LSCC growth and induce apoptosis.
Decreased Chaperone Activity of α-Crystallins in Naphthalene-induced Cataract Possibly Results from C-terminal Truncation
Authors: Chen Y , Yi L , Yan GQ , Jang YX , Fang YW , Fang YW , Wu XH , Zhou XW , Wei LM
Published: February 2013

Naphthalene-induced cataract has been extensively used to test potential anticataract drugs. Because the morphology as well as the toxic manifestations of naphthalene-induced cataract are reported to be similar to that of age-related cataract, naphthalene cataractogenesis in rats has been used as a valuable animal model to study the aetiology of age-related cataract in humans. This study aimed to determine whether the molecular chaperone activity of the α-crystallins was altered in naphthalene-induced cataract, and to clarify the possible mechanism for these changes. The data showed that the chaperone activity of the α-crystallins decreased in naphthalene-induced cataract. By mass spectrometry, C-terminal truncation of 16 amino acids and other post-translational modifications such as acetylation, phosphorylation, oxidation and carbamylation of the α-crystallins were detected. Furthermore, the results suggested that, at the proteomics level, naphthalene-induced cataract is a valuable animal model for the study of age-related cataract in humans.
Effect of Gentamicin-absorbed Collagen in Wound Healing in Pilonidal Sinus Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Yetim I , Ozkan OV , Derviłoglu A , Erzurumlu K , Canbolant E
Published: February 2013

Pilonidal sinus is a common disease that causes the loss of many working hours, but treatment is variable and problematic. The effect of gentamicin-absorbed collagen on healing, infection and recurrence, and length of hospital stay were examined after pilonidal sinus surgery. Patients undergoing surgical treatment for pilonidal sinus were randomly assigned into two groups each of 40 patients. Both groups were treated with excision and primary closure under local anaesthesia. Group 1 (control) received oral antibiotics for 7 days post-operatively. In group 2, prior to wound closure, gentamicin-absorbed collagen sponges were placed on the sacral fascia and these patients did not receive oral post-operative antibiotic therapy. Patients in group 2 had a significantly shorter mean wound healing time, significantly lower infection and recurrence rates, and a significantly shorter hospital stay than those in group 1. It is concluded that implantation of a gentamicin-containing collagen sponge on the wound area in pilonidal sinus decreased the rates of infection and recurrence, and shortened the hospital stay.
Changes in Femoral Head Blood Supply and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Rabbits with Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis
Authors: Wang G , Zhang CQ , Sun Y , Feng Y , Chen SB , Cheng XG , Zeng BF
Published: February 2013

The molecular aetiology of steroid-induced osteonecrosis (ON) is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the femoral head blood supply and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels following steroid-induced ON of rabbit femoral heads in the early stage of the disease, and to investigate a possible mechanism for ON. Using a classic protocol, ON was induced in 30 male 28-week old New Zealand white rabbits. An additional 15 untreated rabbits served as controls. Change of blood supply in the proximal femur was assessed by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging and microangiography. The VEGF protein and mRNA levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. After 6 weeks, the results indicated that VEGF protein and mRNA levels were significantly lower and femoral head blood supply had also decreased significantly in ON+ rabbits compared with controls. The down-regulation of VEGF may play a critical role in the disease process of ON.
Neuroprotective Effect of Gypenosides against Oxidative Injury in the Substantia Nigra of a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Wang P , Niu L , Gao L , Li W-X , Jia D , Wang X-L , Gao G-D
Published: February 2013

Oxidative injury has been implicated in the aetiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) and gypenosides (GP), which are saponins with various bioactivities, have shown antioxidative effects in vitro. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of GP on a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of PD. Acute administration of MPTP led to decreased glutathione content and reduced superoxide dismutase activity in the substantia nigra of the mice, which resulted in oxidative

stress, loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons and motor dysfunction. Co-treatment with GP attenuated all the injuries induced by MPTP in a dose-dependent manner. The neuroprotective effect of GP may be attributed to increased antioxidation, as manifested by significantly increased glutathione content and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity in the substantia nigra. These results strongly indicate the possible therapeutic potential of GP as an antioxidant in PD.
Clonal Status and Clinicopathological Features of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Gong L , Zhang W-D , Li Y-H , Liu X-Y , Yao L , Han X-J , Zhu S-J , Lan M , Zhang W
Published: February 2013

Some studies have demonstrated that Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a neoplastic hyperplasia of Langerhans cells, however some researchers consider that clonality should be assessed in more patients with LCH, both at disease presentation and during the disease course. Monoclonality is a major characteristic of most tumours, whereas normal tissue and reactive hyperplasia are polyclonal. To elucidate the nature of Langerhans cells further, the present study investigated the clinicopathological features and clonality of three cases of LCH in female patients using laser microdissection and a clonality assay, based on X-chromosomal inactivation mosaicism in somatic tissues and polymorphism of the androgen receptor gene. The results indicated that LCH was composed of Langerhans cells with a characteristic morphological appearance, eosinophils, giant cells, neutrophils and foamy cells. Immunohistochemically, the Langerhans cells were positive for CD1a, S-100 protein and vimentin. The clonality assay demonstrated that the Langerhans cells formed a monoclonal population, showing that LCH is neoplastic. We conclude that LCH is characterized by clonal proliferation, although additional studies with larger sample sizes are required to prove this conclusively.
Lentivirus-mediated Gene Transfer of Small Interfering RNA against the Chemokine Receptor CXCR3 Suppresses Cytokine Indicators of Acute Graft Rejection in a Rat Model
Authors: Bao CR , Tang GY , Zhang XP , Quan ZW
Published: February 2013

Despite improvements in immunosuppressive therapy, acute rejection remains an important cause of morbidity and late graft loss in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Increasing evidence supports an important role for chemokines and their receptors in transplant immunology. An acute liver graft rejection model in rats was used to study the role of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 in acute transplant rejection after liver transplantation by lentivirus-mediated gene transfer of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against CXCR3. Using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction it was first shown that three lentivirus–CXCR3 siRNA vectors inhibited the in vitro expression of CXCR3 in activated T-cells bearing CXCR3. Then, it was shown that treatment of the animals with lentivirus–CXCR3 siRNA before liver transplantation reduced CXCR3 mRNA and protein, and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 and interferon-γ measured as indices of acute graft rejection. Based on the results from this animal model, targeting chemokines by the use of siRNA may become a feasible option for therapy after transplantation.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt versus Endoscopic Sclerotherapy in the Elective Treatment of Recurrent Variceal Bleeding
Authors: Popovič P , Štabuc B , Skok P , Šurlan M
Published: February 2013

The present study was designed to compare elective transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) and endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) in terms of their efficacy in preventing recurrent bleeding from gastro-oesophageal varices in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Of 96 patients with at least three gastro-oesophageal variceal rebleeds, 50 were treated with elective TIPS and 46 with EST. Recurrent variceal bleeding was significantly more frequent in patients receiving EST treatment compared with those receiving TIPS (45.7% versus 6.3%, respectively). Cumulative 1- and 4-year survival in the TIPS group was 83.0% and 73.5%, respectively, compared with 69.8% and 39.8% in the EST group, respectively. The rate of portosystemic encephalopathy was 33.3% in the TIPS group and 37.0% in the EST group. Elective TIPS was more effective than EST in the prevention of gastro-oesophageal variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients, it improved survival and it was associated with a similar rate of portosystemic encephalopathy.
Metabolic Syndrome: Prevalence and Risk Factors in Southern China
Authors: Li J-B , Wang X , Zhang J-X , Gu P , Zhang X , Chen C-X , Guo R , Wu M
Published: February 2013

This was a cross-sectional study to investigate the epidemiology of metabolic syndrome and the distribution of interrelated metabolic abnormalities in different population groups in Guangdong, southern China. Individuals were recruited according to the percentage of different occupational populations in southern China. The study cohort included 1206 subjects, and the prevalence and distribution of the components of metabolic syndrome were assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III 2005 criteria. The unadjusted rate of metabolic syndrome was 26.7%, and the prevalences of hypertension and diabetes were 38.0% and 4.3% respectively. Hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity, elevated blood glucose and elevated blood pressure decreased significantly with increasing levels of life stress and anxiety. The prevalence of hypertension and metabolic syndrome in southern China is very high, and early identification and treatment of at-risk individuals may help target intervention to improve future cardiovascular health.
Patient Perceptions concerning Pain Management in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Taylor P , Manger B , Alvaro-Gracia J , Johnstone R , Gomez-Reino J , Eberhardt E , Wolfe F , Schwartzman S , Furfaro N , Kavanaugh A
Published: February 2013

Previous qualitative studies have revealed discrepancies between patients' and physicians' perceptions of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its treatment. Questionnaires were administered to 2795 patients with RA (756 from Europe; 2039 from the USA) to measure patients' perceptions regarding pain management in RA. Although the majority of patients reported their RA as somewhat-to-completely controlled, 75% of European and 82% of US patients reported their pain as moderate-to-severe in the previous 2 months. The majority of European (60%) and US (65%) patients reported dissatisfaction with their arthritis pain. Patients' pain levels corresponded with their disease severity. A higher percentage of patients who reported severe pain were being treated for depression than those who had moderate or mild pain. Patients in the USA rated pain relief as the top required benefit from their RA medication. A comprehensive examination of patients' perspectives regarding pain could lead to better patient care and pain management strategies.
Remifentanil Reduces the Incidence of Post-Operative Delirium
Authors: Radtke FM , Franck M , Lorenz M , Luetz A , Heymann A , Wernecke K-D , Spies CD
Published: February 2013

A secondary exploratory analysis of data from an observational study was used to study the influence of the opioid used for intraoperative anaesthesia on the incidence of post-operative delirium. Patients who had been admitted to the recovery room following elective general anaesthesia were divided into those who had received fentanyl or remifentanil. For unbiased patient analysis, matched pairs were built with respect to gender, age, physical status, anaesthetic type and surgery duration. In 752 patients, the overall incidence of delirium was 9.9% in the recovery room and 3.8% on the first post-operative day. Compared with the remifentanil group, the fentanyl group had a significantly higher incidence of delirium in the recovery room (12.2% versus 7.7%) and on the first post-operative day (5.8% versus 1.9%). Delirium in the recovery room and on the first post-operative day were both associated with a significantly prolonged post-operative hospital stay. The choice of intraoperative opioid influences the incidence of post-operative delirium. Remifentanil was associated with a lower incidence of post-operative delirium in the early post-operative period.
The Influence of Prenatal Counselling on Postpartum Contraceptive Choice
Authors: Akman M , Tüzün S , Uzuner A , Başgul A , Kavak Z
Published: February 2013

This study tested the hypothesis that individual counselling in the third trimester would increase postpartum contraceptive use to a greater extent than only providing an educational leaflet. A total of 180 third trimester pregnant women of mean age 28.3 years who were attending Marmara University Hospital for prenatal care were enrolled. One-third were randomly allocated to receive prenatal contraceptive counselling and the remaining two-thirds (control group) received an educational leaflet. Participants were followed-up at 6–9 months postpartum. The majority of subjects (91.5%) wanted to use contraception after delivery but 26.7% did not know which method to use. At follow-up, 79.6% of all women had begun a postpartum contraceptive regime and 68.7% were using a modern contraceptive method. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in postpartum contraception use between the control and intervention groups in this study population. It is, therefore, concluded that prenatal counselling was not superior to educational leaflets for increasing the use of effective and modern postpartum contraception.
Celecoxib Inhibits β-Catenin-Dependent Survival of the Human Osteosarcoma MG-63 Cell Line
Authors: Xia J-J , Pei L-B , Zhuang J-P , Ji Y , Xu G-P , Zhang Z-P , Li N , Yan J-L
Published: February 2013

Cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors may exert antitumour effects through COX-2-independent mechanisms. This study investigated the effects of the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib on the viability of the human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line and its β-catenin signalling pathway. Cell viability and apoptosis were examined in celecoxib-treated cells or after β-catenin knockdown in vitro. Analyses were performed to detect glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, phosphorylated GSK-3β, β-catenin, c-Myc and cyclin D1 proteins, and mRNA levels of β- catenin, c-Myc and CCND1 (encoding cyclin D1). β-Catenin was shown to be required for MG63 cell survival and celecoxib exerted an inhibitory effect on the viability of cultured MG-63 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. β-Catenin protein decreased in the cytosol and nucleus following celecoxib treatment (from 6 h after initiation of treatment onwards; lowest protein levels were reached at > 72 h). Significant reductions in β- catenin, c-Myc and CCND1 mRNA were observed. Celecoxib inhibited MG-63 cell viability, possibly by activating GSK-3β and inhibiting β-catenin-dependent gene transcription, suggesting a role for celecoxib in osteosarcoma treatment.
Thymic Expression of the Main Immunogenic Region of Titin in Thymomatous Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: He ZF , Lv W , Qiao J , Chen ZM , Pang LW , Chen XJ
Published: February 2013

Antititin antibody occurs in the serum of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with thymoma (MGT), and is a diagnostic marker for the disease. The mechanism that triggers MGT development is, however, unclear. This study evaluated the role of the main immunogenic region (MIR) of titin in MGT pathogenesis. Titin MIR antiserum (antibody titre 1:16) was obtained and an in situ immunohistochemical study of thymomatous tissue samples was performed. Strong immunostaining for titin MIR was observed on epithelial cell membranes in MGT patients, and the degree of immunostaining was directly proportional to the number of epithelial cells in thymomatous tissue. Serum antititin antibody levels were closely related to titin MIR levels in thymoma cells; however, titin MIR levels did not appear to be related to MG severity. Antititin antibody may be a good surrogate marker for thymoma but is probably not involved in the pathogenesis of MGT.
Expression of Activin A and Follistatin in Glioblastoma and Their Effects on U87 In Vitro
Authors: Zhang DF , Li XG , Su LJ , Meng QL
Published: February 2013

In some cancer cell lines, the gene encoding activin A ( inhibin β A [ INHBA]) is over-expressed and enhances cancer proliferation. Protein levels of activin A and follistatin were assessed in glioblastoma and normal brain tissues in this study, and the effect of activin A and follistatin treatment on the proliferation of U87 human glioblastoma cells in vitro was also studied. High levels of activin A were observed in glioblastomas compared with normal brain tissue. In contrast, follistatin levels were similar between the two tissues. [3H]Thymidine assay showed that activin A (3–30 ng/ml) produced a dose-dependent increase in DNA synthesis of U87 cells compared with controls. Flow cytometric analyses showed that activin A increased the proliferative index of U87 cells compared with controls. Activin A also induced up-regulation of p-SMAD2/3 in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of U87 cells with follistatin blocked these activin A-induced effects. The disequilibrium between activin A and follistatin may play a role in the development of glioblastoma.
Update on the Incidence of Metamizole Sodium-Induced Blood Dyscrasias in Poland
Authors: Basak GW , Drozd-Sokołowska J , Wiktor-Jedrzejczak W
Published: February 2013

Metamizole sodium (metamizole) is a popular non-opioid analgesic and a common non-prescription product in Poland. Controversy exists regarding the level of risk of agranulocytosis or aplastic anaemia associated with its use. Two previous pharmacovigilance studies conducted in Poland found the risk was low. Twenty-four of the 25 haematology centres that provide specialist care for the 30 million adults in Poland participated in this prospective 12-month study. Twenty-one cases of agranulocytosis, 48 of aplastic anaemia, 15 of neutropenia and 11 of pancytopenia were reported. Of these cases, three (two agranulocytosis; one aplastic anaemia) were judged as being possibly related to metamizole. Crude estimates of the rate of agranulocytosis and aplastic anaemia associated with metamizole were 0.16 and 0.08 cases/million person-days of use, respectively. Ongoing national safety surveillance in Poland shows that, despite the possibility of drug-induced blood dyscrasias with metamizole, the risk is very low.
Combined Inhibitory Effects of Celecoxib and Fluvastatin on the Growth of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts in Nude Mice
Authors: Gao J , Jia W-D , Li J-S , Wang W , Xu G-L , Ma J-L , Ge Y-S , Yu J-H , Ren W-H , Liu W-B , Zhang C-H
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to investigate the in vivo growth inhibitory effects of celecoxib, a cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor, and fluvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, on the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line, BEL-7402. Athymic nude mice implanted with BEL-7402 cells were given celecoxib and fluvastatin, either alone or in combination, and the effect of treatment on tumour growth was evaluated after 6 weeks. The combination of celecoxib and fluvastatin enhanced inhibition of tumour growth, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of tumour cell proliferation, and inhibition of tumour angiogenesis compared with either treatment alone. The combination of celecoxib and fluvastatin also increased levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21Waf1/Cip1, decreased levels of p-Akt, myeloid cell leukaemia-1 (Mcl-1) and survivin protein, but had no effect on Akt protein levels in tumours. These results suggest that celecoxib combined with fluvastatin would be more efficacious for the treatment of HCC than either treatment alone and this combination of therapy warrants further research.
Effect of Local Gentamicin Application on Healing and Wound Infection in Patients with Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Yetim I , Özkan OV , Dervişoglu A , Erzurumlu K , Canbolant E
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the effects of Gentacoll implants on healing in patients ( n = 44) undergoing modified radical mastectomy and axillary dissection. Group I, the Gentacoll group ( n = 22), underwent surgery followed by insertion of 10 × 10 × 0.5 cm Gentacoll implants (280 mg collagen sponge plus 200 mg gentamicin sulphate) into the axillary area and under the flap area of the breast before wound closure. Group II, the control group ( n = 22), underwent surgery without the application of Gentacoll. Neither group received oral or parenteral post-operative antibiotic therapy. Outcome measures included wound infection, seroma formation, total drainage volumes, drain removal time and duration of hospital stay. Postoperative infection rate, seroma formation, drainage volumes and duration of hospital stay were significantly reduced in the Gentacoll group compared with the control group. In conclusion, the application of Gentacoll significantly improved postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.
Reduction in Left Supplementary Motor Area Grey Matter in Adult Female Fibromyalgia Sufferers with Marked Fatigue and without Affective Disorder: A Pilot Controlled 3-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging Voxel-Based Morphometry Study
Authors: Puri BK , Agour M , Gunatilake KDR , Fernando KAC , Gurusinghe AI , Treasaden IH
Published: February 2013

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that structural grey matter brain changes might occur in the chronic intractable pain disorder fibromyalgia when this is associated with marked fatigue in the absence of a DSM-IV-TR ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision) diagnosis of affective disorder. High-resolution 3-T cerebral magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired in 10 female, right-handed, non-smoking, white Caucasian subjects: five patients with fibromyalgia associated with marked fatigue and five age-matched healthy women. Voxel-wise generalized linear modelling of the processed neuroanatomical data using permutation-based non-parametric testing, forming clusters at t > 2.3 and testing clusters for significance at P < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons across space, revealed significantly lower grey matter density in the patients with fibromyalgia and marked fatigue in the left supplementary motor area. This brain region plays an important role in cognitive or executive control and in the translation of painful cognition; these functions are impaired in fibromyalgia associated with marked fatigue.
Short-Term Corneal Endothelial Changes after Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy
Authors: Zhou J , Lu S , Dai J , Yu Z , Zhou H , Zhou X
Published: February 2013

To investigate the short-term effects of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) on the corneal endothelium, 10 patients undergoing LASEK for myopia without complications (20 eyes) were observed. Each eye was evaluated by slit-lamp biomicroscopy and non-contact specular microscopy pre-operatively, and at 15 min, 1 day and 1 week post-operatively. The decrease in endothelial cell density was statistically significant at 15 min post-operatively, and the difference between pre-operative and 15-min post-operative coefficient of variation of cell size was also statistically significant. The percentage of hexagonal cells was significantly different from baseline levels at 15 min and at 1 day post-operatively. All parameters at 1 week post-operatively were not statistically different from those observed pre-operatively. Immediate changes in endothelial cell number and morphology occurred following LASEK, but endothelial morphology returned to the pre-operative condition after 1 week. Long-term follow-up is needed to identify further consequences of this procedure.