bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased Expression of MicroRNA-375 in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer and its Clinical Significance
Authors: Li Y , Jiang Q , Xia N , Yang H , Hu C 
Published: February 2013

Objective: Emerging evidence has shown the association of aberrant microRNA-375 (miR-375) expression with tumourigenesis in many types of human malignancy. This prospective study characterized the contribution of miR-375 to the initiation and progression of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: The real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to examine miR-375 levels prospectively in 96 pairs of samples of NSCLC tissue and adjacent noncancerous tissue (> 2 cm from cancer tissue). The relationship between miR-375 levels and clinico pathological features was also explored. Results: MiR-375 was downregulated in 89% (85/96) of NSCLC samples compared with matched noncancerous tissue samples. Decreased miR-375 correlated significantly with advanced disease stage and lymphatic metastasis. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed that underexpression of miR-375 was an unfavourable prognostic factor for overall survival in NSCLC. Conclusions: This study suggested that miR-375 is a novel prognostic indicator in NSCLC and might be a potential target for diagnosis and gene therapy.
Relationship between Symptoms and Gastric Emptying of Solids in Functional Dyspepsia
Authors: Guo W-J , Yao S-K , Zhang Y-L , Yan J , Yin L-J , Li3 H-L 
Published: February 2013

Objective: Functional dyspepsia is a heterogeneous disorder and different pathophysiological mechanisms underlie its symptom patterns. This study investigated the relationship between dyspepsia symptoms and overall and proximal gastric emptying in patients with functional dyspepsia. Methods: A total of 93 patients with functional dyspepsia and 32 healthy subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Prevalence and severity of eight dyspepsia symptoms were recorded. Gastric emptying was measured using single photon emission computed tomography scanning. Results: Overall and proximal gastric emptying were delayed in 47.3% (44/93) and 46.2% (43/93) of the patients, respectively. Logistic regression analyses showed that presence of nausea was associated with delayed proximal gastric emptying (odds ratio 4.951; 95% confidence interval 1.321, 18.558). There were no significant differences between normal and delayed overall gastric emptying according to presence of symptoms. Conclusions: Presence of nausea might indicate delayed gastric emptying of the proximal stomach. Promotion of proximal gastric emptying may constitute an effective therapy for patients with functional dyspepsia who report nausea as the dominant symptom.
Inverse Correlation between Caveolin-1 Expression and Clinical Severity in Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Ma WY , Zhuang L , Cai DX , Zhong H , Zhao C , Sun Q 
Published: February 2013

Objective: This study investigated the clinical significance of expression of caveolin-1 - a plasma membrane protein involved in caveola formation, endocytosis, signal transduction and angiogenesis - inthe pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris. Methods: A total of 20 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 20 healthy volunteers were recruited. The expressions of caveolin-1, Ki-67 (marker of cell proliferation) and CD34 (marker of angiogenesis) in skin biopsies were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the level of caveolin-1 protein was quantified by Western blotting. Clinical severity was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. Correlations between caveolin-1 expression and psoriasis severity, cell proliferation and angiogenesis were analysed using the Spearman rank correlation test. Results: Expression of caveolin-1 was significantly lower in psoriasis samples than in healthy skin samples. In psoriasis lesions, the level of caveolin-1 expression was inversely correlated with the severity of psoriasis, cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Conclusions: The level of caveolin-1 expression seems to be related to the clinical severity of psoriasis, and may play a role in the abnormal keratinocyte hyperplasia and angiogenesis seen in this condition.
Elevated Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels Induce Hyperpermeability of Endothelial Cells in Hantavirus Infection
Authors: Li Y , Wang W , Wang J-P , Pan L , Zhang Y , Yu H-T , Jiang W , Wang P-Z , Bai X-F 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Methods: VEGF, soluble VEGF receptor (sVEGFR)-2, angiopoietin (Ang)-1, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were measured in serum samples from 68 patients with HFRS. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUEVCs) were infected by Hantaan virus (HTNV) and/or stimulated with recombinant VEGF; dextran permeability of the cells was determined. Claudin-1 and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin levels were determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. Results: Serum VEGF, TNF-α and IFN-γ levels were significantly elevated, whereas sVEGFR2 and Ang-1 levels were reduced, during the acute phase of HFRS. In vitro cell permeability was unaffected by HTNV infection or VEGF stimulation alone, but the combination of HTNV infection and VEGF treatment significantly increased the permeability of endothelial cell monolayers in a time-dependent manner. Claudin-1 and VE-cadherin were downregulated at both the mRNA and protein level by combined HTNV infection and VEGF stimulation. Conclusions: Elevated VEGF induced by HTNV infection may play an important role in the vascular hyperpermeability that is characteristic of HFRS.
Endostatin Gene Therapy for Endometriosis in Rats
Authors: Zhang TT , Fang XL , Gang J 
Published: February 2013

Objective: Endostatin gene therapy for endometriosis was studied in an experimental autotransplantation model in rats. Methods: Endometriotic lesions were transfected by intralesional injection of the plasmid lipofectamine-endostatinpBud (group 1), lipofectamine-pBud (empty vector; group 2) or phosphatebuffered saline (group 3). Endostatin mRNA and protein levels in lesions were evaluated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Endostatin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels in serum, and microvessel density (MVD) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 protein levels in endometriotic lesions, were also determined. Results: Lipofectamine- endostatin-pBud injection increased endostatin mRNA and protein levels in lesions. Lesions were significantly smaller, and serum VEGF levels significantly lower, in group 1 versus controls. Serum VEGF was significantly and negatively correlated with serum endostatin. In group 1, MMP-2 levels and MVD were significantly lower versus controls. MMP-2 level was negatively correlated with endostatin. Conclusions: Gene therapy with endostatin appears to be an effective treatment for endometriosis. Restoration of endostatin gene expression by gene transfer in vivo might be a potential gene therapy approach for human endometriosis.
Postoperative Visual Impairment after Spinal Fusion Surgery
Authors: Karakoç Ö , Derbent A , Anadolu Ö , Afrashí F , Yilmaz B , Gökmen N 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to detect risk factors for visual impairment or changes in vision following spinal fusion surgery. Methods: A total of 68 patients aged 18 - 65 years, scheduled for posterior spinal fusion surgery, were included. Ophthalmic examinations were performed by an ophthalmologist on the day before surgery and repeated after the second postoperative day, within the first postoperative week. Patient characteristics were compared according to two clinical outcomes following surgery: worsening of vision during the pre- and postoperative interval (group 1) and no change in pre- and postoperative examinations (group 2). Results: The mean age of patients with postoperative visual changes was significantly higher than that for patients without postoperative visual changes. Total number of female patients and use of intraoperative ephedrine to treat hypotensive episodes were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 patients. Conclusion: Older age, female gender and intraoperative hypotensive episodes are potential risk factors for postoperative visual impairment in patients who have undergone spinal fusion surgery.
Influence of Different Urination Methods on the Urinary Systems of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Shen L , Zheng X , Zhang C , Zeng B , Hou C 
Published: February 2013

Objective: This study evaluated the influence of different urination methods on the urinary systems of patients with spinal cord injury. Methods: Patients with spinal cord injury were grouped according to their usual voiding method: clean intermittent catheterization (CIC); Credé manoeuvre/reflex voiding; indwelling catheterization; normal voiding. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were monitored and type B-ultra -sonography (B-USG) scans, renal function tests and urodynamic studies were performed in all patients over a 2-year period. Results: Compared with the normal voiding group ( n = 14), incidence rates of UTIs were significantly different in the Credé manoeuvre/reflex voiding ( n = 26) and indwelling catheterization ( n = 12) groups but not in the CIC group ( n = 15). All intervention groups had a significantly higher rate of positive findings on B-USG scan and a significantly increased residual urine volume, compared with the normal voiding group. In addition, residual urine volume was significantly lower in the CIC group compared with the Credé manoeuvre/reflex voiding and indwelling catheterization groups. Conclusion: CIC was shown to be the optimal method for assisted bladder voiding after spinal cord injury.
Levonorgestrel-releasing Intrauterine Device is an Efficacious Contraceptive for Women with Leiomyoma
Authors: Xie Z-W , Zhang Y-N , Wan S , Xu W-Z , Chen J 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) as contraception for women with uterine leiomyoma. Methods: Thirty women with uterine leiomyoma requiring contraception were enrolled and had a LNG-IUD inserted. Menstrual blood volume (assessed by a pictorial blood loss assessment chart [PBAC]), haemoglobin concentration, volume of uterus and leiomyoma were determined before and after LNG-IUD insertion. Results: The median (range) PBAC score was 145.0 (60.0 - 232.0) before LNG-IUD insertion, which significantly decreased to 44.0 (0.0 - 99.0) and 36.0 (0.0 - 90.0) after 6 and 12 months of LNG-IUD use, respectively. Prior to LNG-IUD insertion, the median haemoglobin concentration in patients with anaemia was 100.0 (69.0 - 109.0) g/l and this increased significantly after 6 and 12 months of LNG-IUD use, to 117.5 (101.0 - 131.0) g/l and 119.5 (108.0 - 135.0) g/l, respectively. There were no significant changes in uterine or leiomyoma volumes. No patient became pregnant and there were no severe side-effects; one IUD was expulsed. Conclusion: The LNG-IUD may be a safe and effective contraceptive for women of reproductive age with uterine leiomyoma.
Comparison of Transcutaneous, Arterial and End-tidal Measurements of Carbon Dioxide during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Ozyuvaci E , Demircioglu O , Toprak N , Topacoglu H , Sitilci T , Akyol O 
Published: February 2013

Objective: Transcutaneous, arterial and end-tidal measurements of carbon dioxide were compared in patients (American Society of Anesthesiology physical status classes II and III) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with carbon dioxide insufflation. Methods: General anaesthesia was performed in all patients. The Sentec® system was used for transcutaneous monitoring of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (TcPCO2). TcPCO2 and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) were recorded preoperatively, after induction of anaesthesia, during insufflation and postoperatively; end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) was recorded after induction and during insufflation. Results: PaCO2 increased during insufflation and reached a maximum at extubation. It declined within 20 min postoperatively but did not return to preoperative levels during this time. TcPCO2 levels followed a similar pattern. ETCO2 was significantly lower than PaCO2 after induction and during insufflation. Conclusion: TcPCO2 was a valid and practical measurement compared with ETCO2. In patients with COPD undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, TcPCO2 and ET could be used instead of arterial blood gas sampling.
Prognostic Significance of PUMA in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Du Qh , Zhang Kj , Jiao Xl , Zhao J , Zhang M , Yan Bm , Xu Yb 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVES: To investigate retro spectively whether alterations of p53 upregulated mediator of apoptosis (PUMA) protein levels and somatic mutations of the PUMA gene are characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: Immunohistochemical analyses of PUMA were performed in pancreatic tumour tissue samples, and paired normal pancreatic tissue samples, from patients with PDAC. Apoptosis was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labelling assay. Results: A total of 70 patients with PDAC had samples available; 49 cases (70.0%) had high PUMA protein levels. PUMA was not detected in paired normal tissue samples. Significantly higher levels of PUMA protein were detected in low-grade tumours (tumour -node-metastasis stages I and II), compared with higher grade (stage III) tumours. Of the PDAC cases, the mean apoptosis index value for PUMA-positive specimens was significantly higher than that for PUMA-negative specimens. Overall survival was significantly associated with PUMA immunoreactivity. Conclusions: High levels of PUMA in PDAC tumour cells suggest that PUMA expression may play a role in pancreatic tumourigenesis.
Clinical and Prognostic Significance of Protocadherin-10 (PCDH10) Promoter Methylation in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Lin YL , Li ZG , He ZK , Guan TY , Ma JG 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of protocadherin-10 (PCDH10) promoter methylation in serum-derived DNA from patients with bladder cancer. Methods: PCDH10 promoter methylation status was determined using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction of DNA extracted from serum of patients with bladder cancer, and age- and sex-matched controls. Clinical and pathological details of bladder cancer were recorded. Results: PCDH10 promoter methylation was detected in 59/117 (50.4%) of patients with bladder cancer, and none of 37 (0%) controls. Methylation was significantly associated with advanced stage (T2 - T4), high grade (G3), tumour recurrence and larger tumour size (> 3 cm). In addition, methylation was associated with significantly worse survival and was an independent predictor of overall survival. Conclusion: Serum-based analysis of PCDH10 promoter methylation may represent a useful noninvasive biomarker of malignant behaviour and outcome in bladder cancer.
Association of HLA-DRB1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Left Ventricular Remodelling in Elderly Patients with Essential Hypertension
Authors: Li Qm , Li B , Sun Yf , Zhang H , Yang Xl , Cai Lw , Chen H , Ding Yh , Jiang J 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To investigate the associations between human leucocyte antigen DRβ1 (HLA-DRB1) gene polymorphisms and cardiovascular remodelling (left ventricular dilatation [LVD]) in Han Chinese patients ≥ 60 years old, with essential hypertension. Methods: LVD was diagnosed via echocardiographic measurements. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction was used to determine the genotypes of three HLA-DRB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs2308765, rs9269186 and rs3135388). Results: HLA-DRB1 rs2308765 wild-type (G) allele and genotype (GG) were associated with decreased risk of LVD. HLA-DRB1 rs9269186 and rs3135388 were not associated with LVD risk. Mean waist and abdominal circumferences were significantly larger in patients with, compared with those without, LVD. Multivariate logistic regression analyses found that rs2308765 was associated with LVD (GT + TT versus GG; odds ratio 7.958; 95% confidence interval 1.935, 32.723). Conclusions: Mutation in HLA-DRB1 rs2308765 was associated with increased risk of LVD in elderly patients with hypertension. Genotype analysis may allow identification of patients at high risk of cardiovascular events such LVD.
Automated Volume Scanner System Ultrasonography for Evaluation of Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities
Authors: Diao Xh , Chen Y , Chen L , Pang Y , Zhu J 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To assess the utility of automated volume scanner system (AVSS) ultrasonography in the clinical evaluation of varicose veins of the leg. Methods: Varicose veins of the leg were evaluated using both handheld ultrasonography and AVSS. Morphological features (tortuosity, focal ectasia, thrombosis) and saphenous vein diameter were observed. Results: A total of 69 legs (43 patients) were examined. The overall quality of AVSS images was excellent in all cases. AVSS allowed visualization of the entire length of the great and small saphenous veins. Significantly more cases of tortuosity, focal ectasia and thrombosis were detected using AVSS than handheld ultra -sonography. The size and mean diameter of veins were consistent between the two methodologies. Conclusions: Coronal plane AVSS ultrasonography images were useful for the detection of tortuosity, focal ectasia and thrombosis. AVSS and handheld ultrasonography can be combined to provide both anatomical and functional information, facilitating the planning of surgical treatment of varicose veins.
A Comparison of Serum and Sputum Inflammatory Mediator Profiles in Patients with Asthma and COPD
Authors: Cao Y , Gong W , Zhang H , Liu B , Li B , Wu X , Duan X , Dong J 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To investigate serum and sputum cytokine profiles in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Methods: Clinical characteristics, blood and sputum samples were collected from asthma (n = 37) and COPD (n = 36) patients, and healthy subjects (n = 39). Cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and inflammation antibody array; levels were analysed according to smoking status and presence of eosinophilia in the airways of COPD/asthma patients, and compared with those in healthy subjects. Results: ELISA revealed a significant difference in the expression of only a few cytokines in the COPD versus asthma groups, and in both patient groups compared with healthy subjects. The antibody array showed greater differentiation in inflammatory mediators. In the subphenotype analysis, the differential expression of cytokines was more significant between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic airway inflammation than between asthma and COPD, according to both the ELISA and antibody array. There was little difference in cytokine expression between smoking and nonsmoking subgroups. Conclusions: Differential expression of inflammatory mediators is present between patients with COPD or asthma, and eosinophilic or noneosinophilic airway inflammation, and contributes to understanding the cytokine network of airway inflammation.
Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitoring in Paediatric Cardiac Surgery: Correlation between Change in Thoracic Fluid Content and Change in Patient Body Weight
Authors: Kang W-S , Lee Jh , Shin Hj , Kim S-H , Kim T-Y , Seo Dm , Yoon T-G 
Published: February 2013

Objective: Change in thoracic fluid content (TFC) derived via a bioreactance technique with a noninvasive cardiac output monitoring device (NICOM) reportedly shows a good correlation with the amount of fluid removed. The present study prospectively evaluated the utility and clinical application of TFC in the intraoperative fluid management of paediatric patients with congenital heart disease, undergoing cardiac surgery with bioreactance-based noninvasive monitoring. Methods: Haemodynamic parameters, patient body weight and parameters derived from the NICOM device (including cardiac output, cardiac index, TFC, percentage change in TFC compared with baseline [TFCd0%] and stroke volume variation) were recorded after anaesthesia induction but before surgical incision, and just before departure from the operating room to the intensive care unit. Results: In the 80 paediatric patients included in this study, linear regression analyses demonstrated good correlations between body weight gain and TFCd0%, between body weight gain % and TFCd0%, and between intra -operative fluid balance and TFCd0%. Conclusion: TFCd0% may be a useful indicator for intraoperative fluid management in paediatric patients with congenital heart disease, undergoing cardiac surgery.
Kyphoplasty for the Treatment of Very Severe Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture
Authors: Zhang HT , Sun ZY , Zhu XY , Chen KW , Qian ZL , Yang HL 
Published: February 2013

Objective: A retrospective evaluation of the clinical outcome and technical feasibility of kyphoplasty for the treatment of very severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (vsOVCF). Methods: Patients with vsOVCF were treated with kyphoplasty and followed-up for 1 year. Vertebral body height variation, kyphotic angle, back pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, 1 month, 3 months and 1 year after treatment. Results: In total, 35 patients (49 vertebrae) were treated with kyphoplasty. There were no cases of spinal or extraspinal injury, infection, bleeding, pulmonary embolism, epidural cement leakage, stroke or cardiac arrest as a result of treatment. There were significant postoperative improvements in all outcome measures (vertebral body height variation, kyphotic angle, VAS and ODI); these improvements were maintained during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Kyphoplasty is an effective and minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of vsOVCF.