bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Hepatitis B Viraemia Levels in Patients with HBeAg-negative Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Atay AE , Seven G , Yalcin K , Pasa S , Degertekin H 
Published: February 2013

Objectives: To evaluate patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and low-level viraemia in terms of determining HBV DNA cut-off values and levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and other possible markers for discriminating between chronic hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) inactive carriers. Methods: HBV-infected patients who were HBeAg-negative with undetectable HBV DNA by standard hybridization assay and high (HBeAg-negative group, n = 81) or normal (HBsAg inactive carrier group, n = 77) ALT levels were enrolled. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay using a COBAS Amplicor HBV monitor test was performed to detect low HBV DNA levels. Results: The HBV DNA level was found to be significantly higher in the HBeAg-negative chronic HBV group (mean ± SD 94 477 ± 167 528 copies/ml) compared with the HBsAg inactive carrier group (mean ± SD 19 215 ± 57 970 copies/ml). Conclusions: A low level of viral replication may persist in chronic HBV-infected patients who are HBeAg-negative, and the level of HBV DNA was higher in the HBeAg-negative group than in the inactive HBsAg carrier group. Necroinflammation also persisted in the HBeAg-negative group and these patients had a higher level of ALT than the inactive HBsAg carriers.
Prognostic Factors in Surgically Managed Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours
Authors: Wua X-J , Zhanga R-X , Chen G , Fang Y-J , Ding P-R , Li L-R , Lu Z-H , Kong L-H , Pan Z-Z , Wan D-S 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To determine prognostic factors associated with survival in patients with surgically managed gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). Methods: This retrospective study included 374 patients with pathologically confirmed GISTs. Medical records were reviewed and prognostic factors associated with adverse outcomes were determined. Results: A total of 337 patients underwent complete resection with curative intent; 37 underwent incomplete resection. Overall mean survival time was 127.3 months; 5-year survival rate was 70.4%. Multivariate analyses determined that tumour size, risk status (of recurrence or metastasis) and surgical procedure were significant predictive factors for survival. There was a significant difference in the 5-year survival rate between patients who received adjuvant imatinib compared with those who did not (75.1% versus 13.8%). Conclusions: Patients with GISTs managed by surgical resection combined with targeted chemotherapy had a good prognosis. Clinical factors predictive of survival included tumour size, risk status and surgical procedure.
The Association between Serum Homocysteine Levels and Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Sarici AM , Yetik H , Akar S , Arvas S 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between serum total homocysteine levels and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: This prospective case-control study involved premature infants diagnosed with ROP 4 weeks after birth (cases); controls were premature infants not developing ROP during follow-up. Fasting serum total homocysteine concentrations were determined in all participants 4 weeks after birth, using high performance liquid chromatography. Results: A total of 45 and 35 infants were included in the case and control groups, respectively. The mean ± SD (range) serum total homocysteine levels were 10.36 ± 1.72 μmol/l (7.45 - 14.84) in infants with ROP and 8.41 ± 2.12 μmol/l (5.56 - 13.90) in controls. This difference was statistically significant. Mean ± SD total homocysteine levels were higher in infants with more severe ROP (11.45 ± 1.76 μmol/l) compared with mild ROP (9.92 ± 1.56 μmol/l). Conclusions: Elevated serum total homocysteine levels are associated with the development of ROP in premature infants. Further studies with larger patient populations are required, to improve understanding of the relationship between homocysteine and ROP development.
A Single-centre, Before-After Study of the Short- and Long-term Efficacy of Narivent® in the Treatment of Nasal Congestion
Authors: Damiani V , Camaioni A , Viti C , Scirè As , Morpurgo G , Gregori D 
Published: February 2013

Objective: Nasal congestion is a common symptom in allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis. The present study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of Narivent®, an osmotically-acting medical device with anti -oedematous and anti-inflammatory effects, in nasal congestion. Methods: A single-centre, prospective study with a pre- post design and consecutive patient enrolment was conducted in an Italian otolaryngology department. Patients with persistent nasal congestion were allocated to treatment groups as follows: group 1 ( n = 36) treated for 7 days; group 2 ( n = 56) treated for 30 days. In each group, patients received two puffs of Narivent® into each nostril twice daily. Symptom severity was assessed subjectively on a 0 - 10 visual analogue scale, and objectively by the presence/absence of signs and symptoms. Differences in subjective and objective severity measures before and after treatment were compared using Wilcoxon's signed rank test. Results: All symptoms and objective scores improved after treatment with Narivent® for 7 or 30 days and no adverse effects were reported by the patients in either group. Conclusion: Narivent® appears to be efficacious in treating nasal congestion over a 7- or a 30-day period.
Surgical Correction of Female Urinary Incontinence: Comparison of Colporrhaphy, Sling and Suspension Procedures
Authors: Yumru AE , Çakmak B Dinçgez , Öndeş B , Ergez M 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To analyse clinical outcomes of three types of pelvic surgery for the correction of female mixed or stress urinary incontinence. Methods: Women who underwent surgery for urinary incontinence between January 2000 and June 2010 were included in the study ( n = 268). Patients were nonrandomly assigned to undergo colporrhaphy, suspension procedure or sling procedure according to their clinical situation. Perioperative parameters were recorded. Short- (< 5 years) and long-term (5 - 10 years) success rates were determined for each group. Results: The short- and long-term complete cure rates were significantly lower, and the duration of catheterization significantly longer, in patients who underwent colporrhaphy compared with both other groups, but there were no significant differences between suspension or sling procedures. Conclusion: Sling and suspension procedures were equally effective in this study, and both were preferable to colporrhaphy.
Use of Cardioselective ß-Blockers in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Blinded Trials
Authors: Ni Y , Shi G , Wan H 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To assess the effect of cardioselective b-blockers on pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: The Embase and MEDLINE™ databases and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched comprehensively to identify all relevant clinical trials in humans published between January 1966 and May 2011. Randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trials that studied the effects of cardioselective ß-blockers on the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the responsiveness of the FEV1 to ß-agonist administration in patients with COPD were included in the analysis. Results: Five studies were identified: four of these assessed both cardioselective and nonselective ß-blockers; one assessed only cardioselective ß-blockers. The FEV1 was shown to decrease by 0.14 l with nonselective ß-blockers and by 0.03 l with cardioselective ß-blockers. The responsive -ness of the FEV1 to ß-agonist administration decreased significantly by 13.42% after nonselective ß-blockers, but did not change significantly after cardioselective -blocker administration. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that the use of β-blockers, especially cardioselective β-blockers, should not be contraindicated in patients with COPD.
Outcomes of Endovascular Coiling versus Surgical Clipping in the Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Li Z-Q , Wang Q-H , Chen G , Quan Z 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The effects of treatment modality (endovascular coiling or surgical clipping) on incidence of cerebral vasospasm and infarction following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) remain controversial. This study compared outcomes between endovascular coiling versus surgical clipping to treat patients with acute (< 72 h) aSAH. Methods: Patients with aSAH were randomized to receive endovascular or surgical treatment. All patients underwent clinical assessments, angiography and brain computed tomography. Results: Data from 186 patients were analysed: 94 in the endovascular group and 92 in the surgical group. Demographics and severity of aSAH were comparable between the groups. Incidence of symptomatic vasospasm, cerebral infarction and complete occlusion were significantly lower in the endovascular coiling group than in the surgical clipping group. Good clinical recovery 12 months after aSAH was seen in 75.0% and 69.7% of surviving patients in the endovascular versus coiling group, respectively. Conclusions: In this study, coiling yielded less symptomatic vasospasm, cerebral infarction and complete occlusion than surgical clipping, with no between-group differences in clinical outcome.
A Risk Score for Predicting Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Adults in a Chinese Earthquake Area
Authors: Liu X , Ma X , Hu X , Qiu C , Wang Y , Wang Q , Zhang W , Zhang J , Li T 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and develop a risk score model for predicting PTSD in adults in a Chinese earthquake area. Methods: Questionnaires covering demographic information, earthquake experience and social support were administered to subjects experiencing a major earthquake. The PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version questionnaire was used for PTSD diagnosis. Subjects were randomly assigned to training (70%) or validation (30%) subsets. A risk score model for predicting PTSD risk was established, based on logistic regression of PTSD risk factors that were significant on univariate analysis of the training data. Results: In total, 9556 subjects completed questionnaires; PTSD prevalence was 4.5%. Divorced or widowed status, various adverse earthquake events and low levels of social support were identified as risk factors for PTSD. When tested in the validation dataset, the risk score model had good discriminative power and a good fit between predicted and observed values. Conclusions: The risk score shows an acceptable predictive value and may be useful for early prediction of PTSD, in Chinese earthquake areas.
Effect of Triptolide on Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumours In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Wang W , Lin W , Hong B , Li X , Zhang M , Zhang L , Lv G 
Published: February 2013

Objective: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) are invasive, hard-to-treat, soft tissue sarcomas. In this study, in vitro and in vivo effects of triptolide were investigated using human MPNST cell lines. Methods: Cultured STS-26T and ST88-14 cells were treated with 0 - 100 ng/ml triptolide (for determination of cell proliferation by sulphorhodamine B assay), with 12.5 ng/ml or 25 ng/ml triptolide (for analysis of caspase activity, effects on apoptotic pathway intermediates [by Western blots and flow cytometry], and for measurement of vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and epidermal0 growth factor receptor [EGFR] levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). A xenograft model was established by injection of STS-26T cells into nude mice, and the effects of 250 μg/kg triptolide on tumour growth and apoptosis were compared with controls. Results: Triptolide significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro, through activation of caspases, in a dose- and time-dependent manner; VEGF and EGFR levels were suppressed. In vivo, triptolide inhibited the growth of STS-26T xenografts and reduced apoptosis. Conclusion: Triptolide may have a therapeutic benefit in MPNST treatment.
Comparative Study of Pelvic Floor Biofeedback Training and Tolterodine for Treatment of Detrusor After-contraction in Posturination Dribbling in Children
Authors: Zeng F , Chen Hq , Qi L , Zhang Xy , Li Y 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of detrusor after-contraction (DA-C) in children with posturination dribbling, and compare the outcomes of pharmacological treatment and pelvic floor biofeedback training. Methods: Children with posturination dribbling underwent urodynamic studies. Patients with DA-C were randomly allocated to one of two groups: pelvic floor biofeedback training or 1 mg tolterodine, orally, twice daily. Treatment was continued for 12 weeks. Results: The study included 45 children. DA-C was present in 39 patients (86.6%), 30 (76.9%) of whom also exhibited detrusor overactivity. Pelvic floor biofeedback training resulted in a significantly better response than tolterodine, in terms of reduction in the number of posturination dribbling events in the month after completion of treatment. Conclusions: DA-C is closely associated with posturination dribbling in children. Pelvic floor biofeedback training should be considered the initial treatment option in these patients.
Partial Lower Axillary Dissection for Patients with Clinically Node-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Kodama H , Mise K , Kan N 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To evaluate retrospectively the outcomes of partial lower axillary lymph node dissection caudal to the intercostobrachial nerve in patients with clinically node-negative (N0) breast cancer. Methods: Numbers of dissected and metastatic nodes, overall and disease-free survival rates, postoperative complication rates, and axillary recurrence were compared between patients who underwent breast cancer surgery with partial axillary node dissection (n = 1043) and historical controls who underwent conventional dissection (n = 1084). Results: The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 95.6% and 89.7%, and 94.9% and 88.4%, respectively, in the partial dissection and conventional dissection groups; the differences were not significant. Mean duration of surgery (41.6 min versus 60.9 min), intraoperative blood loss (28.0 ml versus 51.3 ml), volume of lymphatic drainage at 2 weeks postoperatively (488 ml versus 836 ml), and persistent arm lymphoedema (0.0% versus 11.8%) were significantly different between the partial and conventional dissection groups, respectively. Conclusions: Partial axillary lymph node dissection was associated with similar survival rates (but lower postoperative complication rates) compared with conventional axillary dissection and is recommended in patients with N0 breast cancer.
Effects of Preoperative Gabapentin on Postoperative Pain after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy
Authors: Deniz MN , Sertoz N , Erhan E , Ugur G 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The impact of preoperative gabapentin on tramadol consumption using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and postoperative pain was assessed in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). Methods: In this prospective, randomized trial, 51 patients undergoing RRP were randomized into two groups: the gabapentin group received 900 mg gabapentin orally 2 h before surgery; the control group did not receive gabapentin. Postoperative analgesia was provided by tramadol PCA. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale for 24 h, postoperatively. Results: Mean cumulative tramadol consumption at 24 h was comparable in the two groups. Pain scores at 45 min, 60 min and 2 h postoperatively, and the number of patients who required rescue analgesia, were significantly lower in the gabapentin group than in the control group. Side-effects were similar in the two groups. Conclusions: Preoperative administration of 900 mg gabapentin did not decrease tramadol consumption, but was associated with lower pain scores in the early postoperative phase and a reduced need for rescue analgesia, compared with controls, in patients undergoing RRP.
Triggerless neuralgic otalgia: A case series and systematic literature review
Authors: Smith Jonathan H , Robertson Carrie E , Garza Ivan , Cutrer F Michael 
Published: February 2013

Background Isolated neuralgic pain in the deep ear may arise from either nervus intermedius (NIN) or glossopharyngeal (GPN) neuralgias. Current International Headache Society (IHS) International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition (ICHD-2) criteria for these cranial neuralgias require the presence of a characteristic trigger. Aim The aim of this article is to report cases of triggerless neuralgic otalgia to better understand a subset of patients for whom there may be diagnostic uncertainty. Methods Methods included an observational cohort series and systematic literature review. Results We identified five female patients with a median age at symptom onset of 58 (range: 47 to 73). Our patients generally experienced an excellent clinical response to carbamazepine. Patients were contacted by telephone at a median follow-up duration of seven years (range: four to 32) from symptom onset, at which time carbamazepine-free remissions were reported by five of five (100%) of the patients. A systematic review of the literature on neuralgic otalgia led us to conclude that NIN was most common among young women (age < 50), and GPN across a wider range of ages of either gender. Among surgically validated cases reported in the literature, triggers were frequently absent in NIN, and variably noted in GPN. Conclusions We conclude that the presence of a trigger is not fundamental, and may be impractical, to the diagnosis of neuralgic otalgia, but remains important for specificity between NIN and GPN.
Epidemiological Aspects of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infections in Italy: A National Survey
Authors: Alvaro G , Zuccotti GV 
Published: February 2013

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies and children, producing serious infections and short- to medium-term complications. We conducted a survey, using a questionnaire, to determine the opinions of paediatricians on the geographical and seasonal distribution, and the clinical impact of RSV in Italy. Of the 344 paediatricians who responded, 66% had admitted children affected by RSV into their department, and 38% of these had admitted more than 10 cases during the preceding year. According to those interviewed, newborn babies of lowest gestational age were most often affected. The children considered to be at highest risk of severe infection were those with bronchodysplasia, immunodeficiencies or congenital heart disease; most admissions (87%) were attributed to bronchiolitis. In southern Italy and the islands RSV appeared later and persisted later into the year than in central and northern Italy. Most paediatricians (79%) considered the available treatments for serious RSV ineffective but only half were aware of the possibility of immunoprophylaxis against RSV. Il virus respiratorio sinciziale (RSV) è una causa importante di infezioni respiratorie del lattante, come bronchioliti e polmoniti, che possono produrre gravi complicanze a breve e medio termine. Abbiamo condotto un'indagine utilizzando un questionario per conoscere l'opinione dei pediatri a livello di diffusione geografica e stagionale e per conoscere l'impatto clinico dell'RSV in Italia. Il 66% dei 344 pediatri che hanno risposto, ha ammesso la presenza di bambini affetti da RSV nella loro divisione e il 38% dei pediatri suddetti ha segnalato oltre 10 casi nell'ultimo anno. Secondo i pediatri intervistati, i neonati di più bassa età gestazionale sono quelli più spesso colpiti. I bambini considerati a massimo rischio di contrarre una grave infezione sono stati quelli affetti da broncodisplasia, immunodeficienze o cardiopatie congenite; la maggior parte delle degenze ospedaliere (87%) è stata attribuita alla bronchiolite. Nell'Italia meridionale e nelle isole l'RSV è sembrato comparire più tardi e persistere più a lungo nel corso dell'anno rispetto all'Italia centrale e settentrionale. La maggior parte dei pediatri (il 79%) considerava come inefficaci i trattamenti contro casi gravi di RSV, mentre solo una metà dei pediatri suddetti era a conoscenza della possibilità di immunoprofilassi contro la RSV.
Demographics, Treatment Regimens and the Use of Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers in Heart Failure: Findings from the Valsartan Heart Failure Trial
Authors: Majahalme S 
Published: February 2013

Heart failure is the only major cardiovascular disease with an incidence and prevalence that continue to increase in the developed world. Early identification and correct treatment of the condition are of paramount importance. In recent years, there has been growing interest in identifying the differences between patients in terms of their risk of heart failure and response to treatment. Differences between men and women, different age groups, patients with varying aetiologies or co-morbidities and differences between ethnic groups are only some of the factors that have been identified. This review surveys the available data on differences in responses to treatment, and discusses the use of angiotensin-receptor blockers in heart failure in light of the recent Valsartan Heart Failure Trial (Val-HeFT). Conclusion: Heart failure is a complex syndrome, a fact that is reflected in the wide spectrum of patient characteristics and breadth of treatments available to physicians. Recommendations will keep evolving as we learn more about the changing aetiology and manifestations of the disease, and as new data become available on old and emerging treatments. The recent addition of ARBs (or at least valsartan) to the list of drugs of benefit in HF is a welcome development. Perhaps the most important message from Val-HeFT is that valsartan significantly reduced the risk of a first morbid event, irrespective of most underlying physiological and demographic parameters. This implies that valsartan will be beneficial in most patients, whether they are old or young, male or female and whatever the aetiology of their HF. As polypharmacy will continue to be the therapy of choice in HF and as no wonder-drug seems to be on the horizon to make the concept obsolete, further blocking the RAS by adding a well-tolerated agent would seem a very welcome expansion of our current treatment options.
Adiponectin Replacement Therapy Attenuates Myocardial Damage in Leptin-deficient Mice with Viral Myocarditis
Authors: Takahashi T , Saegusa S , Sumino H , Nakahashi T , Iwai K , Morimoto S , Kanda T 
Published: February 2013

The effects of adiponectin replacement therapy on myocardial damage were studied in leptin-deficient (OB) mice with acute viral myocarditis. Encephalomyocarditis virus was injected intraperitoneally into OB and wild-type (WT) mice. One subgroup of OB mice received no intervention and another subgroup received daily adiponectin replacement, simultaneously with viral inoculation. Differences in heart weight, cardiac histological score, numbers of infiltrating or apoptotic cells in the myocardium and the immunoreactivity of adiponectin receptors in myocytes were determined. The reactivity of adiponectin receptor 1 in myocytes from OB mice on day 4 and day 8 after viral inoculation was significantly decreased compared with that in myocytes from WT mice; the OB mice also had elevated cardiac weights and severe inflammatory myocardial damage. Adiponectin replacement in OB mice inhibited the development of severe myocarditis by augmenting myocyte adiponectin receptor 1 reactivity. Exogenously administered adiponectin may inhibit the progression of viral myocarditis through binding to the adiponectin receptor 1 in leptin-deficient conditions.