bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bcl‐2 overexpression in hepatic stellate cell line CFSC‐2G, induces a pro‐fibrotic state
Authors: González‐Puertos Viridiana Y , Hernández‐Pérez Elizabeth , Nuño‐Lámbarri Natalia , Ventura‐Gallegos José L , López‐Diázguerrero Norma E , Robles‐Díaz Guillermo , Gutiérrez‐Ruiz María C , Konigsberg Mina 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Development of hepatic fibrosis is a complex process that involves oxidative stress (OS) and an altered balance between pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic molecules. Since Bcl‐2 overexpression preserves viability against OS, our objective was to address the effect of Bcl‐2 overexpression in the hepatic stellate cells (HSC) cell‐line CFSC‐2G under acetaldehyde and H2O2 challenge, and explore if it protects these cells against OS, induces replicative senescence and/or modify extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling potential.Methods:  To induce Bcl‐2 overexpression, HSC cell line CFSC‐2G was transfected by lipofection technique. Green fluorescent protein‐only CFSC‐2G cells were used as a control. Cell survival after H2O2 treatment and total protein oxidation were assessed. To determine cell cycle arrest, proliferation‐rate, DNA synthesis and senescence were assessed. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), tissue‐inhibitor of MMP (TIMP), transglutaminases (TG) and smooth muscle a‐actin (α‐SMA) were evaluated by western blot in response to acetaldehyde treatment as markers of ECM remodeling capacity in addition to transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) mRNA.Results:  Cells overexpressing Bcl‐2 survived ≈ 20% more than control cells when exposed to H2O2 and ≈ 35% proteins were protected from oxidation, but Bcl‐2 did not slow proliferation or induced senescence. Bcl‐2 overexpression did not change α‐SMA levels, but it increased TIMP‐1 (55%), tissue transglutaminases (tTG) (25%) and TGF‐β mRNA (49%), when exposed to acetaldehyde, while MMP‐13 content decreased (47%).Conclusions:  Bcl‐2 overexpression protected HSC against oxidative stress but it did not induce replicative senescence. It increased TIMP‐1, tTG and TGF‐β mRNA levels and decreased MMP‐13 content, suggesting that Bcl‐2 overexpression may play a key role in the progression of fibrosis in chronic liver diseases.
Risk factors for relapse in chronic hepatitis C patients who have achieved end of treatment response
Authors: Shin Su Rin , Sinn Dong Hyun , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Cho Moon Seok , Lee Joon Hyoek , Koh Kwang Cheol , Yoo Byung Chul , Paik Seung Woon 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim: Some patients with chronic hepatitis C experience virologic relapse even after achieving an end of treatment response. Prolonged therapy can be effective for helping such high‐risk patients to avoid relapse. We aimed to identify factors predictive of virologic relapse in chronic hepatitis C patients who have achieved end of treatment response.Methods: We analyzed data from 242 chronic hepatitis C patients who achieved end of treatment response with peginterferon plus ribavirin therapy from 2003 to 2007.Results: Virologic relapse was identified in 32 patients (13.2%). We considered age, sex, body mass index, presence of diabetes, hemoglobin, platelet, alanine aminotransferase, stage of fibrosis, baseline hepatitis C virus RNA level, rapid virologic response, and adherence to drugs. For genotype 1 patients, older age (≥ 50 years) and higher baseline RNA level (≥ 2000 000 IU/mL) were significantly correlated with occurrence of relapse. For genotypes 2 and 3, lower adherence to peginterferon (< 80%) was an independent risk factor for relapse.Conclusions: In chronic hepatitis C patients who had achieved end of treatment response, risk factors for relapse were older age and higher baseline hepatitis C virus RNA level in genotype 1, and lower adherence to peginterferon in genotypes 2 and 3, which may be valuable to individualize duration of therapy.
Trends of spinal fusion surgery in Australia: 1997 to 2006
Authors: Harris Ian Andrew , Dao Alan Tien Thanh 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  This study aims to explore the trend in spine fusion surgery in Australia over the past 10 years, and to explore the possible influence of health insurance status (private versus public) on the rate of surgery.Methods:  Data pertaining to the rate of lumbar spine fusion from 1997 to 2006 were collected from Inpatient Statistics Collection of NSW Health, Medicare Australia Statistics and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Data on total hip and total knee arthroplasties were collected to provide a comparator.Results:  The number of publicly performed spinal fusion procedures increased by 2% from 1997 to 2006. In comparison, privately performed spinal fusion procedures increased by 167% over the same 10‐year period. In 2006, spine fusion surgery was 10.8 times more likely to be done in the private sector than in the public sector, compared with corresponding figures of 4.2 times and 3.0 times for knee replacement and hip replacement, respectively. Waiting list data showed no increase in demand for spine fusion surgery in the public sector.Conclusion:  There is a disproportionately high rate of lumbar spine fusion surgery performed in the private sector, given the rate of private insurance. The rate of increase was found to be higher than that for hip or knee arthroplasty procedures. Possible explanations for this difference include: over‐servicing in the private sector, under‐servicing in the public sector, differences in medical referral patterns, surgeon and patient preferences and financial incentives.
Cerebral gunshot wounds: a score based on three clinical parameters to predict the risk of early mortality
Authors: Stoffel Michael , Hüser Norbert , Kayser Kathrina , Kriner Monika , Degiannis Elias , Doll Dietrich 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  To provide a score to predict the risk of early mortality after single craniocerebral gunshot wound (GSW) based on three clinical parameters.Methods:  All patients admitted to Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa, between October 2000 and May 2005 for an isolated single craniocerebral GSW were retrospectively evaluated for the documentation of (i) blood pressure (BP) on admission; (ii) inspection of the bullet entry and exit site; and (iii) initial consciousness (n= 214).Results:  Conscious GSW victims had an early mortality risk of 8.3%, unconscious patients a more than fourfold higher risk (39.2%). Patients with a systolic BP between 100 and 199 mm Hg had an 18.2% risk of mortality. Hypotension (<100 mm Hg) doubled this risk (37.7%) and severe hypertension (≥200 mm Hg) was associated with an even higher mortality rate of 57.1%. Patients without brain spilling out of the wound (‘non‐oozer’) exhibited a mortality of 19.7%, whereas it was twice as high (43.3%) in patients with brain spill (‘oozer’). By logistic regression, a prognostic index for each variant of the evaluated parameters could be established: non‐oozer:0, oozer:1, conscious:0, unconscious:2, 100 ≤RRsys < 200 mm Hg:0, RRsys < 100 mm Hg:1, RRsys≥ 200 mm Hg:2. This resulted in a score (0–5) by which the individual risk of early mortality after GSW can be anticipated.Conclusions:  Three immediately obtainable clinical parameters were evaluated and a score for predicting the risk of early mortality after a single craniocerebral GSW was established.
Internal mammary artery perforator flap for head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Iyer N. Gopalakrishna , Clark Jonathan R. , Ashford Bruce G. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  The internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap is a useful modification of the classic deltopectoral flap that has a number of important roles in head and neck reconstruction.Methods and results:  In this report, we describe the technique used to plan and raise the flap and demonstrate its use in three different clinical scenarios.Results and conclusions:  The IMAP flap is a pedicled fasciocutaneous flap that is based on single or multiple internal mammary artery perforators. As such, it provides thin pliable tissue with a wide arc of rotation that is suitable for cutaneous, pharyngeal and tracheostomal reconstruction. Moreover, the flap is well‐vascularised, reliable and the donor site can be closed primarily.
Pilot study of operative fixation of fractured ribs in patients with flail chest
Authors: Marasco Silvana , Cooper Jamie , Pick Adrian , Kossmann Thomas 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  Flail chest is a serious injury in trauma with a significant mortality rate, and long‐term pain and disability. Traditionally, management has consisted of internal pneumatic splinting, leading to prolonged periods of mechanical ventilation, and its attendant complications. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of operative fixation of broken ribs in flail chest using absorbable prostheses.Methods:  Thirteen consecutive patients with severe flail chest injury were enrolled in this pilot study. Surgery was planned after viewing three‐dimensional reconstructions of the computed tomography scans of the chest. The plates were applied to the external cortical surface of the rib after reducing the fracture. Segmentally fractured ribs were usually plated only once to convert the flail segment to simple fractured ribs and correct the paradoxical wall motion abnormality.Results:  All patients had a good surgical result. On average, four ribs were fixed per patient. All patients were able to be weaned from mechanical ventilation and all patients were discharged from the hospital. There were no deaths. No plates had to be removed. In all patients, the flail chest was successfully stabilized and paradoxical chest wall movement was eliminated.Conclusion:  This pilot study of operative fixation of broken ribs in patients with flail chest, using absorbable plates and screws, has shown the technique to be safe and effective. On the basis of these results, a prospective randomized trial has commenced at The Alfred Hospital, comparing this management strategy with conservative management.
Residual adenoid tissue post‐curettage: role of nasopharyngoscopy in adenoidectomy
Authors: Saxby Alex J. , Chappel Clive A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective:  Curettage adenoidectomy is one of the most common methods of adenoidectomy. This study reports the incidence of residual adenoid tissue after curettage and grades the degree of post‐nasal space obstruction using fibre‐optic nasopharyngoscopy.Methods:  A retrospective study of 425 consecutive patients undergoing curette adenoidectomy in a 5‐year period.Results:  Of the 425 patients, 288 (68%) had some residual adenoid tissue evident with nasopharyngoscopy, of which 104 (24%) had significant obstruction (grade 2 or 3). No age or sex difference was found in the likelihood or severity of residual adenoid tissue.Conclusions:  A significant proportion of patients will have residual adenoid tissue following curette adenoidectomy alone. Nasopharyngoscopy permits a more complete resection in a cost‐effective, quick and easily performed additional step.
Minilaparotomy abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the era of minimally invasive vascular surgery: preliminary results
Authors: Bakoyiannis Chris N. , Tsekouras Nikolaos S. , Georgopoulos Sotiris E. , Skrapari Ioanna C. , Economopoulos Konstantinos P. , Tsigris Christos , Bastounis Elias A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  This study aimed to evaluate the early post‐operative clinical impact of minimal incision aortic surgery (MIAS) for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in comparison with the standard open repair.Methods:  A case‐control study was conducted. Patients of groups A (19 patients) and B (18 patients) were treated with the MIAS technique and the standard open method, respectively.Results:  There were significant differences between the two groups in fluid resuscitation during the operation. Post‐operatively, there were significant differences between groups A and B in the time until starting liquid diet (2 ± 0.74 versus 3.55 ± 0.85 post‐operative days (PD), respectively; P < 0.05), the time until starting the solid diet (3.05 ± 0.77 versus 5.11 ± 0.75 PD, respectively; P < 0.05), the time of ambulation (2 ± 0.74 versus 3.4 ± 0.98 PD, respectively; P < 0.05) and in the hospital length of stay (4 ± 0.81 versus 9.7 ± 2.66 days, respectively; P < 0.05).Conclusions:  The MIAS technique, for repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms, is a safe and feasible procedure that combines the early advantages of endovascular repair with the long‐term advantages of the traditional open repair.
Computed tomography virtual intravascular endoscopy in the evaluation of fenestrated stent graft repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Sun Zhonghua , Mwipatayi Bibombe P. , Allen Yvonne B. , Hartley David E. , Lawrence‐Brown Michael M. D. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of computed tomography virtual intravascular endoscopy (VIE) in the follow‐up of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treated with fenestrated stent grafts.Methods:  A total of 19 patients (17 males and 2 females; mean age: 75 years) with AAA undergoing fenestrated stent grafts were retrospectively studied. Pre‐ and post‐fenestration computed tomography data were reconstructed for the generation of VIE images of aortic ostia and fenestrated stents and compared with two‐dimensional axial and multiplanar reformation (MPR) images. Serum creatinine was measured pre and post fenestration to evaluate the renal function.Results:  The mean intra‐aortic length measured by VIE, two‐dimensional axial and MPR were 4.7, 4.4 and 4.6 mm, respectively, for the right renal stent; 5.0, 4.9 and 5.0 mm, respectively, for the left renal stent; and 5.9, 6.0 and 6.0 mm, respectively, for the superior mesenteric artery stent. Comparisons of these measurements did not show significant difference (P > 0.05). The mean diameters of renal artery ostia measured on VIE visualization pre and post fenestration were 9.2 × 8.3 and 10 × 8.9 mm for the right renal ostium; 8.3 × 7.1 and 9.9 × 8.9 mm for the left renal ostium, with significant changes observed (P < 0.01). No renal dysfunction was observed in this group.Conclusion:  VIE is a valuable visualization tool in the follow‐up of fenestrated stent graft repair of AAA by providing intraluminal appearance of fenestrated stents and measuring the length of stent protrusion.
The iliac bifurcation device for endovascular iliac aneurysm repair: indications, deployment options and results at 1‐year follow‐up of 25 cases
Authors: Huilgol Ravi L. , Denton Michael J. , Cohen Toby 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  The iliac bifurcation device (William A Cook Australia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia) is a new endovascular device for iliac aneurysm repair. We review the indications for use, device characteristics, deployment options and the results of our case series.Methods:  The most common indication for deployment is endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) with common iliac aneurysm repair. The standard deployment sequence can be adapted to increase the utility of the device. Data were collected prospectively. Follow‐up was performed with plain X‐ray, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan.Results:  Between 2004 and 2007, 25 patients had their common iliac artery aneurysm repaired using the iliac bifurcation device. There were 23 male and 2 female patients. Median age was 75 years (range 60–85). The median follow‐up was 12 months (range 1–38). Twenty‐one procedures were combined with EVAR. The median abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter was 60 mm (range 31–97), and the median common iliac artery aneurysm diameter was 37 mm (range 24–71). Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases. There were no acute branch vessel occlusions. There was one early type I endoleak (4%). There was one death (4%) in the 30‐day period post‐procedure. There was one late type I endoleak (4%).Conclusions:  The iliac bifurcation device achieves endovascular common iliac artery aneurysm repair with preservation of internal iliac artery flow. There are multiple different applications of the device and complementary deployment techniques. High rates of technical success and low rates of branch vessel occlusion are possible.
Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation is required for consolidation and reconsolidation of memory at an early stage of ontogenesis
Authors: Languille Solène , Davis Sabrina , Richer Paulette , Alcacer Cristina , Laroche Serge , Hars Bernard 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe ability to form long‐term memories exists very early during ontogeny; however, the properties of early memory processes, brain structures involved and underlying cellular mechanisms are poorly defined. Here, we examine the role of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), a member of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase/ERK signaling cascade, which is crucial for adult memory, in the consolidation and reconsolidation of an early memory using a conditioned taste aversion paradigm in 3‐day‐old rat pups. We show that intraperitoneal injection of SL327, the upstream mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor, impairs both consolidation and reconsolidation of early memory, leaving short‐term memory after acquisition and after reactivation intact. The amnesic effect of SL327 diminishes with increasing delays after acquisition and reactivation. Biochemical analyses revealed ERK hyperphosphorylation in the amygdala but not the hippocampus following acquisition, suggesting functional activation of the amygdala as early as post‐natal day 3, although there was no clear evidence for amygdalar ERK activation after reactivation. These results indicate that, despite an immature brain, the basic properties of memory and at least some of the molecular mechanisms and brain structures implicated in aversion memory share a number of similarities with the adult and emerge very early during ontogeny.
Distinct brain networks in recognition memory share a defined region in the precuneus
Authors: Dörfel Denise , Werner Annett , Schaefer Michael , Von Kummer Rüdiger , Karl Anke 
Published: November 2009

AbstractCurrent models of recognition memory performance postulate that there are two fundamentally distinct retrieval processes, i.e. recollection and familiarity. This view has been challenged and little is known from human research about the functional connectivity of the brain areas involved in these processes. In our study we used a Remember‐Know procedure to assess the functional connectivity of brain regions under recognition memory in 30 healthy adults. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we analysed the blood oxygen level‐dependent responses during correct Remember, correct Know, correct Rejection and missed responses of the subjects during recognition of non‐emotional nouns. One activation cluster was found in the left precuneus associated with both recollection and familiarity answers. To acquire information about the way in which activity in one brain region modulates activity in another brain region in response to the active task, we performed a psychophysiological interaction analysis with the left precuneus as a seed region. This analysis revealed functionally distinct networks of brain areas underlying recollection and familiarity. Furthermore, we discuss the differential involvement of the hippocampus in a recollection network as compared with a familiarity network. In summary, our results further strengthen the assumptions of a dual‐process view of recognition memory [e.g. H. Eichenbaum et al. (2007) Annual Review of Neuroscience, 30, 123–152; A.P. Yonelinas (2001) Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society London B Biological Sciences, 356, 1363–1374] and add empirical findings about the functional interconnectivity of brain regions supporting either recollection or familiarity.
Single incision laparoscopic total proctocolectomy with ileopouch anal anastomosis
Authors: Geisler D. P. , Condon E. T. , Remzi F. H. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim  We present our initial experience of a single port laparoscopic total proctocolectomy with ileoanal J pouch anastomosis. The single incision laparoscopic surgery (SIL), (Covidien, Norwalk, Connecticut, USA) device with a multichannel cannula and specially designed curved laparoscopic instrumentation were used.Method  A patient with familial adenomatous polyposis underwent restorative proctocoectomy. A colonoscopy had demonstrated nearly 1000 polyps in the colon with several 1‐cm polyps in the rectum. The abdomen was entered through a 2.5 cm incision sited preoperatively for the temporary ileostomy. The single port device was inserted and a total proctocolectomy was performed. Ligation of the vessels was performed with the Ligasure (Covidien). The colon and rectum were extracted through the SIL site. An 18‐cm ileoanal J pouch was created extracorporeally. The pouch anal anastomosis was performed intracorporeally and a diverting loop ileostomy created through the SIL port site.Results  The operating time was 172 min. Blood loss was 100 ml and the hospital stay was 4 days without any complication. The patient had a virtually scar‐less abdomen other than the site of the loop ileostomy.Conclusion  Single port laparoscopic surgery may allow complex colorectal surgery to be performed resulting in a virtually scar‐less procedure.
How good are newly qualified doctors at digital rectal examination?
Authors: Yeung J. M.‐C. , Yeeles H. , Tang S.‐W. , Hong L. L. , Amin S. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim  Digital rectal examination (DRE) is an essential skill which all newly qualified doctors should have. There is evidence in the literature that junior doctors lack this important examination technique. The aim of our study was to determine, with the help of a questionnaire, the abilities of foundation year 1 (FY1) doctors to perform DRE.Method  A questionnaire was developed and sent to newly qualified FY1 doctors qualified in two universities (Nottingham and Sheffield) within the first 4 weeks of starting as a FY1 doctor.Results  Ninety (75%) out of 120 questionnaires were completed. Most FY1 doctors had very little experience in performing DRE on a patient, and 68 (76%) had performed less than 10 procedures prior to qualification. Very few of these doctors had their clinical findings on DRE checked by a senior doctor (n = 7, 8%). Comparing DRE with other forms of examination, newly qualified doctors were most confident at groin hernia examination followed by testicular examination. They were least confident with vaginal examination and DRE (ANOVA P = 0.0082).Conclusion  Digital rectal examination is frequently performed by the most inexperienced doctor and may not be verified by a more senior colleague. More training and supervision of junior doctors are required both prior to qualification and during the early stages of their medical career.