bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementary use of scintimammography with 99m-Tc-MIBI to triple diagnostic procedure in palpable and non-palpable breast lesions
Authors: Wilczek B. , Aspelin P. , Boné B. , Pegerfalk A. , Frisell J. , Danielsson R.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical value of scintimammography with 99m-Tc-MIBI ( Sc) as a complementary method to the triple diagnostic procedure in the diagnosis of breast lesions.

Material and Methods: Ninety-six consecutive patients with 65 palpable and 54 non-palpable breast lesions were included in a prospective study. All lesions were evaluated by clinical examination, mammography and fine-needle-aspiration cytology (FNAC), called triple diagnostic procedure ( TD). Prone planar scintimammography with 99m-Tc-MIBI was performed in all patients. Five groups were defined for diagnosis: 1 = normal; 2 = benign; 3 = probably benign; 4 = highly suspect of malignancy; and 5 = malignant. In the calculations, groups 1–3 were considered benign, and 4–5 malignant. All lesions were excised and examined histologically. The additional value of Sc +  TD procedure was studied separately for palpable and non-palpable lesions.

Results: Histologically, 83 malignant and 36 benign lesions were found in the 119 breast lesions. Sensitivity for malignancy in palpable lesions of TD alone and of the combination TD +  Sc were 95.6% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivity for malignancy in non-palpable lesions of TD and TD +  Sc was 89.1% and 97.2%, respectively.

Conclusion: Adding scintimammography to the triple diagnostic procedure increased the sensitivity for the detection of both palpable and non-palpable breast cancers, but decreased the specificity.
Interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis: An HRCT-clinical correlative study
Authors: Ooi G. C. , Mok M. Y. , Tsang K. W. T. , Wong Y. , Khong P. L. , Fung P. C. W. , Chan S. , Tse H. F. , Wong R. W. S. , Lam W. K. , Lau C. S.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To evaluate high-resolution CT (HRCT) parameters of inflammation and fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc), for correlation with lung function, skin scores and exercise tolerance.

Material and Methods: 45 SSc patients (40 women, 48.5±13.4 years), underwent thoracic HRCT, lung function assessment, and modified Rodnan skin scores. Exercise tolerance was also graded. HRCT were scored for extent of 4 HRCT patterns of interstitial lung disease (ILD): ground glass opacification (GGO), reticular, mixed and honeycomb pattern in each lobe. Total HRCT score, inflammation index (GGO and mixed score) and fibrosis index (reticular and honeycomb scores) were correlated with lung function and clinical parameters.

Results: ILD was present in 39/45 (86.7%) patients. Abnormal (<80% predicted) forced vital capacity (FVC), total lung capacity (TLC) and carbon monoxide diffusion factor (DLco) were detected in 30%, 22% and 46% of patients. Total HRCT score correlated with FVC ( r=−0.43, p=0.008), FEV1 (forced expiratory volume) ( r=–0.37, p=0.03), TLC ( r=–0.47, p=0.003), and DLCO ( r=–0.43, p=0.008); inflammatory index with DLCO ( r=–0.43, p=0.008) and exercise tolerance ( r=–0.39, p < 0.05); and fibrosis index with FVC ( r=–0.31, p=0.05) and TLC ( r=–0.38, p=0.02). Higher total HRCT score, and inflammation and fibrosis indices were found in patients with abnormal lung function.

Conclusion: Qualitative HRCT is able to evaluate inflammation and fibrosis, showing important relationships with diffusion capacity and lung volume, respectively.
Pulmonary nodule detection using chest CT images
Authors: Kim D.-Y. , Kim J.-H. , Noh S.-M. , Park J.-W.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: Automated methods for the detection of pulmonary nodules and nodule volume calculation on CT are described.

Material and Methods: Gray-level threshold methods were used to segment the thorax from the background and then the lung parenchyma from the thoracic wall and mediastinum. A deformable model was applied to segment the lung boundaries, and the segmentation results were compared with the thresholding method. The lesions that had high gray values were extracted from the segmented lung parenchyma. The selected lesions included nodules, blood vessels and partial volume effects. The discriminating features such as size, solid shape, average, standard deviation and correlation coefficient of selected lesions were used to distinguish true nodules from pseudolesions. With texture features of true nodules, the contour-following method, which tracks the segmented lung boundaries, was applied to detect juxtapleural nodules that were contiguous to the pleural surface. Volume and circularity calculations were performed for each identified nodule. The identified nodules were sorted in descending order of volume. These methods were applied to 827 image slices of 24 cases.

Results: Computer-aided diagnosis gave a nodule detection sensitivity of 96% and no false-positive findings.

Conclusion: The computer-aided diagnosis scheme was useful for pulmonary nodule detection and gave characteristics of detected nodules.
Transvaginal power Doppler ultrasound in pelvic congestion: A prospective comparison with transuterine venography
Authors: Campbell D. , Halligan S. , Bartram C. I. , Rogers V. , Hollings N. , Kingston K. , Sahdev A. , Beard R. W.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: Pelvic congestion is diagnosed by transuterine venography, an invasive procedure requiring sedation and irradiation. Ultrasound may be an alternative but is hindered by slow flow within pelvic veins. In an attempt to counter this, we investigated the possible role of transvaginal power Doppler ultrasound.

Material and Methods: 42 women with a clinical suspicion of pelvic congestion underwent transvaginal ultrasound. Adnexal veins were examined and a congestion score established. Planimetric measurements of adnexal vessels were obtained using power Doppler ultrasound, and uterine and ovarian morphology noted. All women then underwent transuterine venography and agreement with the ultrasound congestion score and morphologic features was determined.

Results: There was a trend towards weak positive correlation between ultrasound and venography congestion scores ( r = 0.29, p = 0.06). However, agreement between scores was poor on an individual basis (95% limits of agreement, −3.9 to +2.7). Planimetric power Doppler assessments of adnexal vascularity were unrelated to venographic congestion. Instead, there was correlation between the number and diameter of ovarian follicles and venographic congestion: women with congestion tended to have significantly more (0.04) and smaller follicles ( p = 0.001).

Conclusion: There was poor individual agreement between ultrasound and venographic estimates of congestion. However, there was a direct relationship between venographic congestion score and ovarian morphology.
Early assessment of neoadjuvant chemotherapy by FEC-courses of locally advanced breast cancer using 99mTc-MIBI
Authors: Wilczek B. , von Schoultz E. , Bergh J. , Eriksson E. , Larsson S. A. , Jacobsson H.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: Response assessment at neoadjuvant (preoperative) chemotherapy of locally advanced breast cancer using clinical examination and mammography is insensitive. Mammoscintigraphy with 99mTc-MIBI was studied for the prediction of response at such therapy before finishing the chemotherapy cycles.

Material and Methods: Chemotherapy was given as repeated courses of 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (FEC). In 1 patient group ( n = 23), the tumor uptake relative to surrounding breast tissue and lung tissue at SPECT examination after finishing neoadjuvant chemotherapy was compared with the examination made before chemotherapy. In another group ( n = 30), a similar comparison after the first therapy cycle (mean 19 days) with a baseline examination was made. Histologic examination of the resected tumors was made.

Results: After finishing chemotherapy, there was a strong reduction of the relative tumor activity, while there was no correlation with therapy effect as assessed by histology. After one therapy course, there was no significant reduction of the relative tumor uptake.

Conclusion: Scintigraphy with 99mTc-MIBI demonstrated the response after finished neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer using FEC-courses. It cannot be used to predict a therapy response after one therapy course.
MR angiography for the evaluation of non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy: A case report
Authors: Sanada M. , Terada M. , Suzuki E. , Kashiwagi A. , Yasuda H.
Published: December 2009

Peripheral neuropathy due to vasculitis without any complications of vasculitis in other organs was first reported in 1987. This condition was termed non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy (NSVN). Although vasculitis is believed to develop in small arteries and arterioles in this disease, the level of vascular involvement has not been fully established. We present a case of NSVN followed up by MR angiography, which was thought to be useful to assess the level as well as the state of vascular lesions in this condition.
High-resolution CT in chronic pulmonary changes after mustard gas exposure
Authors: Bagheri M. H. , Hosseini S. K. , Mostafavi S. H. , Alavi S. A.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To identify the findings of high‐resolution CT (HRCT) of the lung in patients with previous sulfur mustard gas exposure, and to correlate these findings with clinical and chest X-ray (CXR) results.

Material and Methods: 50 consecutive patients were studied prospectively. The clinical data were recorded. Standard p.a. CXR and HRCT of the lung and spirometry were performed. The findings of CXR, HRCT and clinical and spirometry results were scored between 0 and 3 according to the severity of the findings.

Results: HRCT abnormality was detected in all 50 patients (100%), while CXR was abnormal in 40 patients (80%). The most common HRCT findings was airway abnormalities (bronchial wall thickening in 100% of cases). Other important findings were suggestive of interstitial lung disease (ILD) (80%), bronchiectasis (26%), and emphysema (24%). A statistically significant correlation was found between the severity of clinical presentation and that of the HCTR scores in patients with bronchiectasis, bronchitis and ILD ( p< 0.05), but not with severity scores of HRCT in patients with emphysema. No significant correlation was found between severity scores of CXR findings. HRCT evidence of bronchial wall thickening and with a lower frequency ILD were present despite normal CXR in 20% of the patients.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that bronchial wall thickening, ILD and emphysema are common chronic pulmonary sequelae of sulfur mustard injury. HRCT of the chest should be considered as the imaging modality of choice in chemical war injury.
Local infusion of the nitric oxide donor sin-1 after angioplasty: Effects on intimal hyperplasia in porcine coronary arteries
Authors: Harnek J. , Zoucas E. , Sjuve R. , Arner A. , Ekblad E. , Schou H. , Perez de Sá V. , Stenram U.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To investigate the development of intimal hyperplasia in response to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) followed by local delivery of the nitric oxide (NO) donor 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1).

Material and Methods: Overdilation PTCA was performed in coronary arteries in 20 healthy pigs. One of the dilated segments was additionally treated with local delivery of SIN-1 for 10 min. Segments distal to the treated part of the arteries served as controls. Arteries were radiographically depicted and analyzed after 1 and 8 weeks for actin, myosin and intermediate filaments (IF), nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) and histological evaluation.

Results: Segments treated with PTCA+SIN-1 showed a significantly ( p = 0.03) larger luminal diameter compared with PTCA only treated segments. The luminal loss after SIN-1 was not significant compared with the diameter prior to treatment. Endothelial NOS content was significantly lower in the PTCA+SIN-1 group compared with the PTCA group after 1 ( p = 0.03) and 8 weeks ( p = 0.013). IF/actin ratio after 1 week was significantly increased in PTCA-treated segments compared with untreated controls ( p = 0.004), and compared with PTCA+SIN-1-treated segments ( p = 0.004).

Conclusion: PTCA-induced intimal hyperplasia was potently inhibited by local delivery of the NO donor SIN-1. Momentary events at the time of injury play a significant role in the development of intimal hyperplasia and long-lasting down-regulation of the endothelial NOS expression after SIN-1 exposure is suggested. The IF/actin ratio can be useful as an early marker of intimal hyperplasia.
Accuracy of ultrasound dating formulae in the late second-trimester in pregnancies conceived with in-vitro fertilization
Authors: Mongelli M. , Yuxin N. G. , Biswas A. , Chew S.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To investigate the accuracy of ultrasound dating formulae in the late second trimester of pregnancy.

Material and Methods: A dataset of 136 singleton pregnancies conceived by artificial reproductive techniques was studied to assess the accuracy of ultrasound dating formulae in the late second trimester, and compared with early second trimester. A total of 21 published ultrasound-dating formulae were tested.

Results: For most formulae, late second trimester scans yielded results that were marginally less accurate than the early second trimester. The best performance was obtained with dating formulae based on femur length, either alone or combined with the biparietal diameter. These formulae had mean absolute errors of 3–3.5 days. Combining two or more parameters did not result in any substantial gain in accuracy.

Conclusions: Pregnancy dating by ultrasound in the late second trimester is sufficiently accurate for routine clinical use. Formulae based on femur length appear to be at least as accurate as head measurements.
Technical Note. Labral-ligamentous complex of the shoulder: Evaluation with double oblique axial MR arthrography
Authors: Sasaki T. , Saito Y. , Yodono H. , Prado G. L. M. , Miura H. , Itabashi Y. , Ishibashi Y.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To assess the ability of double oblique axial (DOA) MR arthrography in evaluating labral-ligamentous complex compared with conventional axial (CA) MR arthrography.

Material and Methods: MR arthrography of 51 shoulders, subsequently examined with arthroscopy, were retrospectively reviewed. DOA imaging was performed in all 51 shoulders and both DOA and CA imaging in 37 using a 1.5 T unit with gradient recalled-echo T2*-weighted sequences. DOA imaging was performed using perpendicular planes to the long axis of the glenoid fossa obtained by an oblique sagittal scout image. We compared the ability of DOA with that of CA MR arthrography to assess labral injuries and to demonstrate the whole length of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (AIGHL), which were shown to be intact by arthroscopy.

Results: For anterior labral injuries, sensitivity and specificity were 87% and 93% with CA, and 94% and 100% with DOA imaging, respectively. For posterior labral injuries, sensitivity and specificity were 47% and 100% with CA, and 79% and 96% with DOA imaging, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between CA and DOA images, except for the ability to diagnose posterior labral injuries, where DOA imaging had a significant superior sensitivity ( p = 0.0327). DOA images also demonstrated the whole length of the intact AIGHL in 10 of 11 shoulders, while CA imaging showed this in only 3 of 11.

Conclusion: DOA imaging was equal or better than CA imaging for evaluating the labral-ligamentous complex.
Priapism of the glans and corpus spongiosum: Report of two cases with angiography
Authors: Kolbenstvedt A. , Jenssen G. , Hedlund H.
Published: December 2009

Priapism, whether of the arterial or veno-occlusive type, mainly affects the cavernous bodies, leaving the low-pressure system in glans and corpus spongiosum soft without urethral compression. In the present 2 case reports, the pathologically increased pressure primarily affected the corpus spongiosum. One had arterial priapism following penile revascularization and the other veno-occlusive priapism due to thrombosis of the internal pelvic veins. Both had ulcerations of the glans and urinary retention requiring suprapubic catheterization. Arteriography revealed the disease mechanism in both, and led to embolization in 1.
Positioning of the pH-probe by manometry or radiography for monitoring of the esophagus: Influence on diagnostic results?
Authors: Aksglæde K. , Thommesen P.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To correlate gastroesophageal reflux (GER), demonstrated by radiography using bread and barium, with 24-h pH monitoring in the esophagus, with the pH-probe positioned by manometry or radiology.

Material and Methods: In all, 146 patients, 41 females and 105 males, with a median age of 47 years, suspected of GER were examined. Radiography was performed with the patient in the supine right oblique position during mastication and swallowing a piece of rye bread with liver pâté and barium. The test was positive if barium was observed more than 5 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). An antimony pH-probe was placed 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter determined by manometry, or 5 cm above the GEJ determined by radiography. The total time of esophageal pH < 4 exceeding 5% was considered pathological.

Results: The radiological method had a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 52% compared to 24-h pH monitoring with the pH-probe positioned manometrically, and a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 67% with the pH-probe positioned by radiography, with no significant difference between the two positionings.

Conclusion: In 146 patients submitted to 24-h pH monitoring, the pH-probe could be placed as safely by radiography as by manometry.
Placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt via the left hepatic vein under sonographic guidance in a patient with right hemihepatectomy
Authors: Hidajat N. , Kreuschner M. , Röttgen R. , Schröder R.-J. , Schmidt S. , Felix R.
Published: December 2009

In a patient with refractory ascites after right hemihepatectomy TIPS was created between the left hepatic vein and the left portal vein via a transjugular approach. The puncture was guided only by sonography from the epigastrium. Portosystemic pressure gradient was reduced from 28 to 7 mm Hg and ascites disappeared. This case shows that TIPS can be created with technical and clinical success after right hemihepatectomy as left hepatic vein to left portal vein shunt under sonographic guidance.
Videoradiographic analysis of how carbonated thin liquids and thickened liquids affect the physiology of swallowing in subjects with aspiration on thin liquids
Authors: Bülow M. , Olsson R. , Ekberg O.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To analyze how carbonated thin liquids affected the physiology of swallowing in dysphagic patients.

Material and Methods: 40 patients were analyzed; 36 were neurologically impaired. During a therapeutic videoradiographic swallowing examination the patients had to swallow liquids with the following consistencies three times: thin, thickened and carbonated. The liquids were given in doses of 3 × 5 ml. The swallows were analyzed regarding penetration/aspiration, pharyngeal transit time and pharyngeal retention.

Results: Significant difference was found regarding penetration/aspiration when comparisons were made between thin liquid and carbonated thin liquid ( p<0.0001). Carbonated liquid reduced the penetration to the airways. The comparison between thin liquid and thickened liquid ( p<0.0001) showed significant less penetration with thickened liquids. Pharyngeal transit time was reduced both when comparing thin liquid with thin carbonated liquid ( p<0.0001) and thickened liquid ( p<0.0001). Pharyngeal retention was significantly reduced ( p<0.0001) with carbonated thin liquid compared to thickened liquid. The comparison of thin liquids and carbonated thin liquids showed p = 0.0013, thin and thickened liquids p = 0.0097.

Conclusions: Carbonated liquids reduced penetration/aspiration into the airways, reduced pharyngeal retention and pharyngeal transit time became shorter. Therefore, carbonated liquids are a valuable treatment option for patients with penetration/aspiration. Thickened liquids may still be an option for patients who cannot tolerate carbonated liquids and liquids with this consistency are safer than thin liquids.
Osteonecrosis diagnosed on MR images of the knee: Relationship to reduced bone mineral density determined by high resolution peripheral quantitative CT
Authors: Zanetti M. , Romero J. , Dambacher M. A. , Hodler J.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To evaluate if osteonecrosis diagnosed on MR images of the knee relates to reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and may be caused by an insufficiency fracture.

Material and Methods: Thirty-two consecutive patients (8 men, 24 women; age range 27–82 years, mean 62 years) with MR findings of osteonecrosis of the femoral or tibial condyle were prospectively included. Trabecular and cortical BMD were measured with high resolution peripheral quantitative CT in the non-dominant distal radius and the tibia of the involved extremity. One tibia was not measured due to posttraumatic deformity.

Results: The mean trabecular BMD of the radius was 81% of the young-adult average peak BMD (range 19–160%). The mean cortical BMD in the radius was 86% (range 63–108%). The mean trabecular BMD in the tibia was 92% (range 28–160%). The mean cortical BMD in the tibia was 86% (range 49–132%). The values of the trabecular bone of the distal radius (tibia) were normal in 11 (15) patients, osteopenic in 12 (4), and osteoporotic in 9 (12), respectively. The cortical bone values of the distal radius (tibia) were normal in 12 (13) patients, osteopenic in 12 (12), and osteoporotic in 8 (6), respectively.

Conclusion: Osteoporosis and osteopenia are commonly found in patients with osteonecrosis of the knee as diagnosed on MR images. This indicates that for some patients an insufficiency mechanism may be responsible for the MR findings. However, in the patients with normal bone density other reasons for osteonecrosis may be present.
Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas
Authors: Fukukura Y. , Fujiyoshi F. , Hamada H. , Takao S. , Aikou T. , Hamada N. , Yonezawa S. , Nakajo M.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of thin-section helical CT and MR imaging with gadolinium-enhanced dynamic technique and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the examination of patients with intraductal papillary mucinous tumors.

Material and Methods: Helical CT, dynamic MR imaging, and MRCP of 25 intraductal papillary mucinous tumors were compared with ERCP and surgical findings.

Results: The duodenal papilla was identified by helical CT and dynamic MR imaging in 11 (44%) and 20 (80%) of the 25 patients, respectively ( p<0.05). The main pancreatic duct was visualized on helical CT, dynamic MR imaging, and MRCP in all patients (100%): 25 (96.2%), 24 (92.3%), and 26 (100%) cystic lesions were depicted, respectively. A communicating duct between the main pancreatic duct and the cystic lesion was visualized on helical CT, dynamic MR imaging, and MRCP in 14 (53.8%), 11 (42.3%), and 15 (55.7%) lesions, respectively. The papillary projections corresponding to 3 mm or larger papillary neoplasms were depicted on helical CT and MR imaging in 7 patients (25%).

Conclusion: MR imaging was equal or slightly superior to thin-section helical CT in the evaluation of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors.
Effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-supported chemotherapy on MR imaging of normal red bone marrow in breast cancer patients with focal bone metastases
Authors: Çiray I. , Lindman H. , Åström G. K. O. , Wanders A. , Bergh J. , Ahlström H. K.
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To investigate the effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-supported chemotherapy on normal red bone marrow MR imaging in breast cancer patients with focal bone metastases.

Material and Methods: Fifteen breast cancer patients who were examined before and after chemotherapy with T1-weighted-SE and long echo-time inversion-recovery turbo-spin-echo (long TE IR-TSE) sequences in the thoracolumbar spine and pelvis were retrospectively studied. Nine of them received G-CSF therapy after the administration of each chemotherapy course. Of these 9 patients, the MR follow-ups were performed during G-CSF in 4 patients and after G-CSF therapy in 5 patients. Six patients did not receive G-CSF. Signal intensity (SI) changes in normal bone marrow were evaluated visually in all patients and quantitatively in 13 patients.

Results: In all 4 patients investigated during G-CSF therapy a diffuse, homogeneous SI increase on long TE IR-TSE was observed visually and quantitatively in initially normal bone marrow. This change obscured some focal lesions in 2 patients. No such SI change was visible after G-CSF therapy ( p = 0.008) or in patients not receiving G-CSF. On T1-weighted images an SI decrease was found both during and after G-CSF therapy, but an increase occurred in patients not receiving G-CSF.

Conclusion: G-CSF-supported chemotherapy can induce diffuse SI changes in normal red bone marrow on MR imaging. On long TE IR-TSE, the changes are visible during G-CSF treatment and can lead to misinterpretations in the response evaluation of bone metastases to therapy.
Book Reviews
Authors: Abildgaard Andreas
Published: December 2009

The Internet for Radiology Practice. By A. Metha. Springer 2003. ISBN 0-387-95172-5. 210 pages, 33 figures. Includes CD-ROM. Price paperback €39.95.
Book reviews
Authors: Skjennald Arnulf
Published: December 2009

Cross-Sectional Diagnostic Imaging. By N. H. Strickland and P. Gupta. Martin Dunitz Ltd. 2002. ISBN 1-84184-167-6. Paperback. Price £29.95.
CellMC—a multiplatform model compiler for the Cell Broadband Engine and ×86
Authors: Caulfield Emmet , Hellander Andreas
Published: December 2009

Motivation: Gillespie's stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) is often the most tractable method to study stochastic models of biochemical systems. The algorithm itself is very simple and a natural target for implementation on specialized architectures such as the Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/BE). We have developed CellMC, a multiplatform SBML model compiler implementing a vectorized version of SSA for use on Cell/BE or ×86 PCs.

Availability: The code is freely available from http://www.cellmc.org. It will run on a wide variety of ×86 computers running Linux/MacOSX (Darwin) and on Cell/BE computers such as the Sony PlayStation3 (PS3) and the IBM BladeCenter QS22. CellMC requires gcc, libxml2 and libxslt, all of which are installed by default on most of the supported platforms.

Contact:  info@www.cellmc.org; andreas.hellander@it.uu.se

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Modulation of Hypoxia‐Induced Pulmonary Vascular Leakage in Rats by Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoidesL.)
Authors: Purushothaman Jayamurthy , Suryakumar Geetha , Shukla Dhananjay , Jayamurthy Himani , Kasiganesan Harinath , Kumar Rajesh , Sawhney Ramesh Chand
Published: December 2009

Cerebral and pulmonary syndromes may develop in unacclimatized individuals shortly after ascent to high altitude resulting in high altitude illness, which may occur due to extravasation of fluid from intra to extravascular space in the brain, lungs and peripheral tissues. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of seabuckthorn (SBT) (Hippophae rhamnoidesL.) leaf extract (LE) in curtailing hypoxia‐induced transvascular permeability in the lungs by measuring lung water content, leakage of fluorescein dye into the lungs and further confirmation by quantitation of albumin and protein in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Exposure of rats to hypoxia caused a significant increase in the transvascular leakage in the lungs. The SBT LE treated animals showed a significant decrease in hypoxia‐induced vascular permeability evidenced by decreased water content and fluorescein leakage in the lungs and decreased albumin and protein content in the BALF. The SBT extract was also able to significantly attenuate hypoxia‐induced increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and decrease hypoxia‐induced oxidative stress by stabilizing the levels of reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes. Pretreatment of the extract also resulted in a significant decrease in the circulatory catecholamines and significant increase in the vasorelaxation of the pulmonary arterial rings as compared with the controls. Further, the extract significantly attenuated hypoxia‐induced increase in the VEGF levels in the plasma, BALF (ELISA) and lungs (immunohistochemistry). These observations suggest that SBT LE is able to provide significant protection against hypoxia‐induced pulmonary vascular leakage.
A Clinical Trial of Kampo Formulae for the Treatment of Symptoms of Yusho, a Poisoning Caused by Dioxins and Related Organochlorine Compounds
Authors: Uchi Hiroshi , Tokunaga Shoji , Mitoma Chikage , Shibata Satoko , Hamada Naoki , Nakanishi Yoichi , Kajiwara Junboku , Yoshimura Takesumi , Furue Masutaka
Published: December 2009

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of traditional herbal medicines (Kampo) on the symptoms of Yusho. Yusho is a mass food poisoning that was caused by ingestion of rice oil contaminated with dioxins and related organochlorines in 1968. Patients with Yusho suffer from skin symptoms (acneform eruptions, liability to suppuration and pigmentation), respiratory symptoms (cough and expectoration of sputum), neurological symptoms (numbness and paresthesia of extremities), arthralgia and general fatigue, and no effective treatment has yet been developed. In this clinical trial, four Kampo formulae (Bakumondo‐to, Keigai‐rengyo‐to, Gosha‐jinki‐gan and Hochu‐ekki‐to) were administered to four representative Yusho symptoms (respiratory, skin, neurological symptoms and general fatigue), respectively. Twenty‐seven Yusho patients were enrolled and two formulae were administered to each patient for half‐a‐year each. The effectiveness of Kampo formulae was estimated by changes in the intensity of symptoms measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 100 mm recorded at baseline and after administration of each formula. The influence of Kampo formulae on patients’ quality of life (QOL) was also assessed by the SF‐36 (NBS). Twenty‐five patients completed the treatment. Bakumondo‐to significantly improved respiratory symptoms as well as patients’ QOL in the context of vitality, compared with other formulae. In contrast, Hochu‐ekki‐to impaired patients’ QOL in the context of physical functioning and vitality, compared with other formulae. This study demonstrated for the first time that a Kampo formula Bakumondo‐to is useful for treating respiratory symptoms caused by dioxins.
Antitumor activity of anti‐C‐ERC/mesothelin monoclonal antibody in vivo
Authors: Inami Koichi , Abe Masaaki , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Hagiwara Yoshiaki , Maeda Masahiro , Segawa Tatsuya , Suyama Masafumi , Watanabe Sumio , Hino Okio
Published: December 2009

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer often caused by chronic asbestos exposure, and its prognosis is very poor despite the therapies currently used. Due to the long latency period between asbestos exposure and tumor development, the worldwide incidence will increase substantially in the next decades. Thus, novel effective therapies are warranted to improve the prognosis. The ERC/mesothelin gene (MSLN) is expressed in wide variety of human cancers, including mesotheliomas, and encodes a precursor protein cleaved by proteases to generate C‐ERC/mesothelin and N‐ERC/mesothelin. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of C‐ERC/mesothelin‐specific mouse monoclonal antibody, 22A31, against tumors derived from a human mesothelioma cell line, ACC‐MESO‐4, in a xenograft experimental model using female BALB/c athymic nude mice. Treatment with 22A31 did not inhibit cell proliferation of ACC‐MESO‐4 in vitro; however, therapeutic treatment with 22A31 drastically inhibited tumor growth in vivo. 22A31 induced antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity by natural killer (NK) cells, but not macrophages, in vitro. Consistently, the F(ab′)2 fragment of 22A31 did not inhibit tumor growth in vivo, nor did it induce antibody‐dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. Moreover, NK cell depletion diminished the antitumor effect of 22A31. Thus, 22A31 induced NK cell‐mediated ADCC and exerted antitumor activity in vivo. 22A31 could have potential as a therapeutic tool to treat C‐ERC/mesothelin‐expressing cancers including mesothelioma.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 969–974)
Association of human μ‐opioid receptor gene polymorphism A118G with fentanyl analgesia consumption in Chinese gynaecological patients
Authors: Zhang W. , Chang Y. Z. , Kan Q. C. , Zhang L. R. , Lu H. , Chu Q. J. , Wang Z. Y. , Li Z. S. , Zhang J.
Published: December 2009

One hundred and seventy‐four Chinese gynaecology patients were studied for the impact of A118G polymorphism in the μ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) on pain sensitivity and postoperative fentanyl consumption. Pre‐operatively, the pain threshold and pain tolerance threshold were measured using electrical stimulation. A118G polymorphism was genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Intravenous fentanyl patient‐controlled analgesia provided postoperative pain management, assessed using a visual analogue scale and fentanyl consumed in the first 24 h after surgery was noted. We found the prevalence of G118 allele was 31.3%. The A118G polymorphism had a gene‐dose‐dependent effect on electrical pain tolerance threshold. Fentanyl consumption was also significantly different in patients with different OPRM1 genotypes (homozygotes for 118G consumed more than did heterozygotes or homozygotes for 118A). Fentanyl consumption increased in accordance with the number of 118G alleles. We conclude that OPRM1 gene analysis may help predict individual opioid sensitivity and so optimise postoperative pain control.
Effect of an episode of critical illness on subsequent hospitalisation: a linked data study
Authors: Williams T. A. , Knuiman M. W. , Finn J. C. , Ho K. M. , Dobb G. J. , Webb S. A. R.
Published: December 2009

Healthcare utilisation can affect quality of life and is important in assessing the cost‐effectiveness of medical interventions. A clinical database was linked to two Australian state administrative databases to assess the difference in incidence of healthcare utilisation of 19 921 patients who survived their first episode of critical illness. The number of hospital admissions and days of hospitalisation per patient‐year was respectively 150% and 220% greater after than before an episode of critical illness (assessed over the same time period). This was the case regardless of age or type of surgery (i.e. cardiac vs non‐cardiac). After adjusting for the ageing effect of the cohort as a whole, there was still an unexplained two to four‐fold increase in hospital admissions per patient‐year after an episode of critical illness. We conclude that an episode of critical illness is a robust predictor of subsequent healthcare utilisation.
Dietary and fluid compliance: an educational intervention for patients having haemodialysis
Authors: Baraz Shahram , Parvardeh Siavash , Mohammadi Eissa , Broumand Behrouz
Published: December 2009

baraz s.h., parvardeh s., mohammadi e. & broumand b. (2010) Dietary and fluid compliance: an educational intervention for patients having haemodialysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 60–68.

Title.  Dietary and fluid compliance: an educational intervention for patients havinghaemodialysis.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to determine the effect of an educational intervention on dietary and fluid compliance in patients having haemodialysis.

Background.  Many of the clinical problems experienced by patients having haemodialysis are related to their failure to eat appropriate foods and restrict their fluid intake. Educational intervention in patients having haemodialysis to improve their compliance with dietary and fluid restrictions appears to be effective.

Methods.  Sixty‐three patients having haemodialysis in three general hospitals in Tehran, Iran, were allocated into two groups at random for oral and/or video education. They were asked to give demographic and medical data. Bimonthly average values of serum potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphate, albumin, creatinine, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen and interdialytic weight gain were measured before and after the teaching programmes. The data were collected in 2007.

Findings.  Compliance in terms of biochemical parameters and interdialytic weight gain was observed in 63·5% and 76·2% of patients in the oral and video teaching groups respectively. Statistically significant correlations were observed between demographic variables (age, educational level and occupation) and dietary and fluid compliances (P < 0·001). There was no difference between the effectiveness of two educational interventions.

Conclusion.  Nurses should emphasize sodium compliance in patients having haemodialysis and explain its adverse effects, such as excessive weight gain, hypertension, and peripheral oedema.
Nurses’ knowledge of high‐alert medications: instrument development and validation
Authors: Hsaio Ghi‐Yin , Chen I‐Ju , Yu Shu , Wei Ien‐Lan , Fang Yu‐Yuan , Tang Fu‐In
Published: December 2009

hsaio g.‐y., chen i.‐j., yu s., wei i.‐l., fang y.‐y. & tang f.‐i. (2010) Nurses’ knowledge of high‐alert medications: instrument development and validation. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 177–190.

Title.  Nurses’ knowledge of high‐alert medications: instrument development andvalidation.

Aim.  This paper is a report of the development and validation of an instrument to measure nurses’ knowledge of high‐alert medications and to analyse known administration errors.

Background.  Insufficient knowledge is a factor in nurses’ drug administration errors. Most errors do not harm patients, but incorrect administration of high‐alert medications can result in serious consequences. Sufficient knowledge about high‐alert medications is vital.

Method.  A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2006 in Taiwan using a questionnaire developed from literature review and expert input, and validated by subject experts and two pilot studies. Section 1 of the questionnaire (20 true–false questions) evaluated nurses’ knowledge of high‐alert medications and section 2 was designed to analyse known administration errors. Snowball sampling and descriptive statistics were used.

Findings.  A total of 305 nurses participated, giving a 79·2% response rate (305/385). The correct answer rate for section 1 was 56·5%, and nurses’ working experience contributed to scores. Only 3·6% of nurses considered themselves to have sufficient knowledge about high‐alert medications, 84·6% hoped to gain more training, and the leading obstacle reported was insufficient knowledge (75·4%). A total of 184 known administration errors were identified, including wrong drug (33·7%) and wrong dose (32·6%); 4·9% (nine cases; 9/184) resulted in serious consequences.

Conclusion.  The questionnaire was valid and reliable. Evidence‐based results strongly suggest that nurses have insufficient knowledge about high‐alert medications and could benefit from additional education, particularly associated with intravenous bolus administration of high‐alert medications. Further research to validate the instrument is needed.
Coping with breast cancer: between diagnosis and surgery
Authors: Drageset Sigrunn , Lindstrøm Torill Christine , Underlid Kjell
Published: December 2009

drageset s., lindstrøm t.c. & underlid k. (2010)  Coping with breast cancer: between diagnosis and surgery. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 149–158.

Title.  Coping with breast cancer: between diagnosis and surgery.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a descriptive study of coping strategies used by women between diagnosis of breast cancer and surgery.

Background.  Although research has suggested that the initial phase of breast cancer is important in the overall process of coping, there have been few qualitative studies conducted in the period between diagnosis and surgery to describe women’s experiences and coping efforts in the midst of stress.

Method.  Individual interviews were conducted with 21 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who were awaiting surgery. Data were collected from February 2006 to February 2007 at a Norwegian university hospital. Transcripts were analysed using methods of qualitative content analysis.

Findings.  Prominent themes about coping between diagnosis and surgery were: step‐by‐step, pushing away, business as usual, enjoying life, dealing with emotions, preparing for the worst and positive focus. The women were highly aware of the threat of death, but at the same time hopeful and optimistic. In general, they wanted to be treated as usual. Pity and compassion could increase their feelings of fear and vulnerability. Emotions were dealt with either by openness or by holding back.

Conclusion.  Avoiding being overwhelmed by emotional reactions was a major goal for the women. Their coping strategies displayed similar patterns but diverged on some points. In general they needed to manage the situation in their own way. By being aware of women’s individual needs and different coping strategies, nurses and other healthcare professionals can improve support to women in this vulnerable situation.
Procedural discourse in intellectual disability and dual diagnosis
Authors: Ryan J. , Woodyatt G. , Copeland D.
Published: December 2009

Background  Knowledge of discourse abilities of adults with intellectual disability (ID) and mental illness is limited. The present study examined the procedural discourse skills of two cohorts of adults with ID – one cohort with (n = 7) and one cohort without (n = 7) a psychiatric diagnosis of psychosis.

Methods  Participants completed the ‘dice game’, a procedural discourse elicitation procedure that has been used by previous researchers.

Results  Results revealed that while all participants demonstrated an understanding of the task, participants with ID alone were more able to communicate the key elements of the game than the participants in the dual diagnosis group.

Conclusions  Results of this investigation suggest that individuals with dual diagnosis have difficulties that may relate to previously identified discourse impairments in people with schizophrenia, and this may relate to a larger difficulty in taking into account the listener's needs.
Emotional and behavioural problems in adolescents with intellectual disability with and without chronic diseases
Authors: Oeseburg B. , Jansen D. E. M. C. , Groothoff J. W. , Dijkstra G. J. , Reijneveld S. A.
Published: December 2009

Background  Adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) (ID‐adolescents) and adolescents with chronic diseases are both more likely to have emotional and behavioural problems. The aim of this study was to assess the association between chronic diseases in ID‐adolescents and emotional and behavioural problems in a large school‐based sample.

Methods  We obtained data on 1044 ID‐adolescents, aged 12–18 years, attending secondary schools in the Netherlands. Parents of the adolescents completed the Dutch version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and questions about chronic diseases in their child and about the background of the child.

Results  Prevalence rates of emotional and behavioural problems were generally high in ID‐adolescents with chronic diseases (45%), compared with ID‐adolescents without chronic diseases (17%). The likelihood of emotional and behavioural problems was high in ID‐adolescents with two [odds ratios (OR) 4.47; 95% CI: 2.97–6.74] or more than two chronic diseases (OR 8.01; 95% CI: 5.18–12.39) and for ID‐adolescents with mental chronic diseases (OR 4.56; 95% CI: 3.21–6.47). Also ID‐adolescents with somatic chronic diseases had a high likelihood of emotional and behavioural problems (OR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.33–2.99), in particular in the combination of somatic and mental chronic diseases (OR 5.16; 95% CI: 3.46–7.71).

Conclusions  The current study showed that chronic diseases in ID‐adolescents, in particular mental chronic diseases, largely increase the likelihood of emotional and behavioural problems. This should be taken in the provision and planning of care for ID‐adolescents.
Maternal diet during pregnancy and allergic sensitization in the offspring by 5 yrs of age:  a prospective cohort study
Authors: Nwaru Bright I. , Ahonen Suvi , Kaila Minna , Erkkola Maijaliisa , Haapala Anna‐Maija , Kronberg‐Kippilä Carina , Veijola Riitta , Ilonen Jorma , Simell Olli , Knip Mikael , Virtanen Suvi M.
Published: December 2009

Nwaru BI, Ahonen S, Kaila M, Erkkola M, Haapala A‐M, Kronberg‐Kippilä C, Veijola R, Ilonen J, Simell O, Knip M, Virtanen SM. Maternal diet during pregnancy and allergic sensitization in the offspring by 5 yrs of age: a prospective cohort study. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 29–37. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S

To examine the effect of maternal diet during pregnancy on allergic sensitization in the offspring by 5 yrs of age. The Finnish type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Nutrition Study. A population‐based cohort study with 5‐yr follow‐up. A total of 931 children with human leukocyte antigen‐conferred susceptibility to type 1 diabetes for whom maternal pregnancy food frequency questionnaire data and allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E measurement at 5 yrs were available. Increasing maternal consumption of citrus fruits [odds ratio (OR) = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.25] and total fruit (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.09–1.70) were positively associated with sensitization to inhalant allergens, after adjustment for potential confounders. Maternal intake of vitamin D (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.35–0.91) was inversely associated with sensitization to food allergens. Maternal consumption of citrus fruits during pregnancy may increase the risk to allergic sensitization in the offspring, whereas vitamin D intake may have a beneficial effect. Further studies are required to define more closely the putative effect of maternal intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids on development of allergic diseases in the offspring.