bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic Interruption of the Inferior Vena Cava: Immediate and Long-Term Results
Authors: Rosenthal David , Hungerpiller John C. , Seagraves Mary Annette , Erdoes Luke S. , Baird David R. , McKinsey James F. , Lamis Pano A. , Clark Michael D. 
Published: August 2008

To determine the effects of prophylactic interruption of the inferior vena cava (IVC) the hospital course of 340 patients who underwent aortic operations with placement of a Moretz IVC clip between 1980 and 1988 was removed: 175 patients had had abdominal aortic aneurysm resection; 143, aortobifemoral by pass; and 22, aortobiiliac endarterectomy or bypass. There were no complica tions related to placement of the IVC clip. After operation, any clinical suspicion of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) was docu mented by phlebography or pulmonary arteriography, respectively. In the im mediate postoperative period ( < thirty days), only 2 (0.5%) patients had a PE and 10 (2.9%) a DVT. For long-term follow-up extending to eight years (mean ± 42.8 months), 308 patients were available. During long-term follow-up, 2 (0.6%) patients had a PE and 7 (2.2%) a DVT. Limb edema without evidence of DVT occurred in another 7 (2.2%) patients. B-mode ultrasonography of the IVC was performed in 163 patients. The IVC was clearly patent in all but 5 (3%): 1 had had a documented PE in the immediate postoperative period, and the other 4, an asymptomatic occlusion of the IVC during late follow-up. Prophylactic IVC interruption in aortic surgical patients appears not to cause IVC thrombosis, to initiate DVT, or to cause chronic venous insufficiency. The results indicate that it is a safe method of decreasing the incidence of PE, without increasing operative morbidity.
Direct Phlebography for Visualization of the Deep Veins in the Lower Extremities
Authors: Matsuda Hitoshi , Ota Toshiaki , Okada Masayoshi , Nakamura Kazuo 
Published: August 2008

A new method of phlebography, which the authors have named "direct phlebography," was developed as a means of obtaining accurate information on the deep vein system, as well as on the communicating veins in the lower extremities. This method consists of two techniques: one is a retrograde insertion of a catheter into the deep veins and the other is a direct injection of the contrast medium into the deep veins. For these techniques, use of a thin, soft guidewire and catheter; injection of a low-osmolar contrast medium; and systemic administration of heparin are important. In cases of varix cruris, the deep veins and the insufficient communicating veins were clearly visualized by this method. In cases of deep vein thrombosis, a "narrowed" but patent common or superficial femoral vein was detected, which had often been diagnosed as "occluded" by conventional ascending phlebography. The deep femoral vein was usually patent. The authors have used this method in 54 limbs, but no serious complications such as venous valve injury, severe extravasation, or thrombus formation have been encountered so far, except for a small extravasation in 1 patient with superficial femoral vein thrombosis. This new method, used to visualize the deep vein system directly, is thought to provide correct and useful information about the lesions in the deep vein system of the lower extremities.
Indications for Carotid Endarterectomy: Surgeons vs Neurologists
Authors: Zelkovic Mark A. , Nicholas Gary G. , Reed James F. 
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the indications for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in the authors' geographic area and compare responses of vascular surgeons and neurologists. Results were also compared with the recommendations of the Rand panel. Vascular surgeons and neurologists agreed that multiple transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in patients receiving medical treatment and in those with crescendo ischemic attacks were appropriate indications for endarterectomy. However, surgeons favored CEA significantly more (p < 0.0001) than neurologists for other symptomatic patients. No agreement could be found between surgeons and neurologists for endarterectomy in patients with asymptomatic carotid disease. Although a national panel of experts has identified appropriate indications for CEA, the authors' medical community (Eastern Pennsylvania) has significant variations when responses of vascular surgeons and neurologists are compared. Therefore, patient treatment depends mainly on the referral patterns of the primary care physician. Further prospective studies are required to achieve unanimity regarding indications for this operation.
The Effect of Substrate Load and Blood Glucose Management on Cerebral Dysfunction Following Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Griffin Steven , Klinger Louise , Newman Stanton , Hothersall John , McLean Patricia , Harrison Michael , Sturridge Marvin , Treasure Tom 
Published: August 2008

Seventy patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting were prospectively randomized into either of two primes: 5% dextrose or Hartmann's solution. The groups were comparable. Neuropsychological assessment was performed before and eight weeks after surgery. During bypass blood glucose concentrations rose to a mean of 26 mmol/L in the 5% dextrose group and 6 mmol/L in the Hartmann's group. No deaths occurred in either group; 2 clinically evident neurological events were noted, both taking place in the hyperglycemic group. Detailed analysis of the results showed differences between the groups. When score changes between tests were assessed it was found that in 17 of the 18 versions of the tests more patients in the hyperglycemic group deteriorated than the normoglycemic controls. With a two-tailed binomial statistic this difference was significant at the 5% level. Learning ability was likewise found to worsen in the hyperglycemic group after surgery. Hyperglycemia may be a detrimental factor in the development of postcardiac surgical intellectual dysfunction. The authors would advocate the avoidance of glucose-containing bypass primes and the close monitoring of blood glucose during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Fibromuscular Dysplasia of the External Iliac Artery: A Case Report
Authors: Adant J.Ph. , Sakalihasan N. , Dekoster G. , Limet R. 
Published: August 2008

A case of fibromuscular dysplasia of the external iliac arteries in a seventy-one-year-old woman treated by percutaneous angioplasty is reported. External iliac artery fibrodysplasia exhibits the classic corrugated "string of beads" angiographic appearance. These lesions are symptomatic when the arterial lumen is sufficiently compromised to reduce blood flow or when superposed thrombosis and/or embolization occurs. Treatment by percutaneous angioplasty gives excellent immediate morphologic results. Claudication symptoms were absent during a one-year follow-up.
Primary Venous Aneurysm—Case Reports
Authors: Hayashi Saihou , Hamanaka Yoshiharu , Sueda Taijiro , Matsuura Yuichiro 
Published: August 2008

Venous aneurysm (VA) is a rare vascular lesion. The authors have experi enced 2 cases of VA: a seventy-year-old woman who had a 4 x 4 cm VA at the elbow and a forty-five-year-old woman who had a 1.5 x 1 cm VA in the long saphenous vein. In the second case, intraaneurysmal observation was per formed by angioendoscopy during surgery. Histologic examination of the re sected lesion proved that the basic structure of the venous wall was preserved in both cases, although a marked reduction in each component of wall was ob served. The authors reviewed the reported cases of VA and classified them into type I VA (cystic ectasia) and type II VA (fusiform ectasia). Type I VA is predominant in extremities and internal organs, while type II VA predominates in the cervical region. Their analysis of the reported cases indicated that although VA and varicose veins are both venous ectasias, VA is distinguishable from varicose veins by the following features: no sex difference, occurrence even in children, occurrence anywhere in the body, occurrence as a single lesion, and lack of prolongation of the vein.
The Effect of Continuous Infusion of Dobutamine on the Maximal Forearm Skin Blood Flow and Plasma Neuropeptide Y Level in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Kwan Chi Ming , Chen Jyh-Hong , Teng Jeng-Kai , Tsai Liang-Miin , Lin Li-Jen , Lu Feng-Hwa , Cheng Juei-Tang 
Published: August 2008

To investigate whether continuous infusion of therapeutic doses of dobu tamine will influence the plasma neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the vasodilator capacity of nonacral skin in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, the authors measured plasma NPY, norepinephrine (NE), and epinephrine (Epi) in 21 CHF patients, New York Heart Association (NYHA) function class III-IV, before and after four consecutive days' treatment by continuous infusion of dobutamine. Nine of these patients underwent laser Doppler flowmetry with a modified heat ing probe to measure the forearm skin blood flow for seventy minutes. They were measured at rest from room temperature to locally heated temperature of 42°C, a maneuver known to selectively and maximally vasodilate skin. Another 9 age-matched CHF patients, NYHA function class II, not requiring dobu tamine treatment, were treated with placebo to follow the same protocol. Mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate did not change significantly before and during treatment in both groups. The maximal forearm skin blood flow changed significantly from the control after dobutamine treatment in all the following four days (12.3 ± 2.4 versus 21.8 ± 4.4, 21.2±2.9, 22.3 ± 4.9, 23.0 ± 5.1 Volt, p < 0.05), but this was not observed in the placebo group (11. 8 ± 2 . 9 versus 13 .3 ± 2.4, 11.6 ± 1.8, 14.6 ± 2 .5, 10. 0 ± 1.5, p = NS) . The NPY, NE, and Epi did not show any alteration before and during four days' treat ments with dobutamine in 9 patients. Plasma NPY, NE, and Epi of 21 patients before dobutamine treatment were all elevated when compared with 115 age- matched control subjects (40 ± 3.0 versus 23.2 ± 0.9 pmole/L, p < 0.0005 for NPY; 3.7 ± 0.1 versus 2.4 ± 0.1 pmole/mL, p < 0.0005 for NE: and 1.9 ± 0.1 ver sus 1.6 ± 0.1 pmole/mL, p < 0.03 for Epi). Plasma NPY correlated better with NE than with Epi after dobutamine treatment. Hence the authors conclude: (1) the increment of skin blood flow by dobu tamine may be due to increased cardiac output or direct vasodilator effect. (2) NPY, NE, and Epi elevated in CHF, but they were not affected by acute stimula tion of sympathetic activity by dobutamine treatment. (3) The better correlation between NPY and NE indicates its origin from sympathetic nerve terminals, and NPY may play a role in the pathophysiology of CHF.
Baseline and Post-Acetazolamide SPECT Evaluation of Carotid Endarterectomy Cases
Authors: Taşçioğlu Ali Oguz , Aras Tulin 
Published: August 2008

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) of 21 symptomatic patients with significant carotid stenoses was studied by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with technetium 99m hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime (Tc 99m HMPAO) at rest as baseline and during cerebral vasodilation after IV administration of acetazolamide (ACZ). Seventeen patients with significant internal carotid artery stenosis who showed increased cerebral perfusion after ACZ administration over their baseline low focal and global SPECT values were selected for surgery. A similar baseline study was done in the postoperative sixth week to assess the effect of surgery on regional and hemispheric CBF. Twelve patients with significant carotid stenoses who showed cerebral reserve in SPECT studies benefited most from the operation, and 3 patients with totally occluded left carotid arteries showed less increased CBF on their occluded sides. Endarterectomy operations were done to their contralateral stenotic arteries and their improvement varied on their occluded sides with variations of the Willis Polygon. This study showed that Tc 99m HMPAO SPECT study with ACZ-stimulated vasodilation, done following an initial baseline study, is an adequate selection criterion for carotid endarterectomy.
Effect of Pentoxifylline on Treatment of Lower Limb Ulcers in Patients with Thalassemia Major
Authors: Angelides N.S. , Angastiniotis Ch. , Pavlides N. 
Published: August 2008

The possible healing effect of deferoxamine and pentoxifylline on persisting lower limb ulcers was studied in 51 patients with thalassemia major. The results indicated that the regular use of deferoxamine at an intravenous dose of 20 mg/kg did not affect the healing progress and the recurrence rate of these ulcers significantly. On the contrary, the oral administration of pentoxifylline at a dose of 1,200 mg daily during the ulcer's healing time and at a low long-term maintenance dose of 400 mg daily during the ulcer-free intervals improved their healing ability impressively and diminished their recurrence rate significantly.
Erythromycin lacks colon prokinetic effect in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders: a retrospective study
Authors: Venkatasubramani Narayanan , Rudolph Colin D , Sood Manu R 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Motilin, a peptide hormone has a direct excitatory effect on circular smooth muscle strips derived from the human colon. Reduced plasma motilin concentration has been reported in adults with chronic constipation. Erythromycin, a non-peptide motilin receptor agonist, induces phase 3 of the migrating motor complex (MMC) in the antro-duodenum and also reduces oro-cecal transit time. A pediatric study has reported an improvement in clinical symptoms of constipation following erythromycin administration, but the effect on colon motility in children has not been formally evaluated. We used colon manometry to study the effect of intravenous erythromycin lactobionate at 1 mg/kg on colon motiltiy in ten children.

Methods
We selected patients with normal antroduodenal and colon manometry studies that were performed simultaneously. All studies were performed for clinically indicated reasons. We quantified the effect of erythromycin on colon contraction by calculating the area under the curve (AUC).

Results
The mean (SE of mean) AUC in the colon during the fasting, post-erythromycin and postprandial phases of the study was 2.1 mmHg/sec (0.35), 0.99 mmHg/sec (0.17) and 3.05 mmHg/sec (0.70) respectively. The AUC following erythromycin was significantly less compared to the fasting phase of the study (p < 0.01).

Conclusion
Erythromycin lacks colon prokinetic effect in children with chronic constipation evaluated by colon manometry.
Increased deposition of C3b on red cells with low CR1 and CD55 in a malaria-endemic region of western Kenya: Implications for the development of severe anemia
Authors: Odhiambo Collins O , Otieno Walter , Adhiambo Christine , Odera Michael M , Stoute José A 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundSevere anemia due toPlasmodium falciparummalaria is a major cause of mortality among young children in western Kenya. The factors that lead to the age-specific incidence of this anemia are unknown. Previous studies have shown an age-related expression of red cell complement regulatory proteins, which protect erythrocytes from autologous complement attack and destruction. Our primary objective was to determine whether in a malaria-endemic area red cells with low levels of complement regulatory proteins are at increased risk for complement (C3b) depositionin vivo. Secondarily, we studied the relationship between red cell complement regulatory protein levels and hemoglobin levels.MethodsThree hundred and forty-two life-long residents of a malaria-holoendemic region of western Kenya were enrolled in a cross-sectional study and stratified by age. We measured red cell C3b, CR1, CD55, and immune complex binding capacity by flow cytometry. Individuals who were positive for malaria were treated and blood was collected when they were free of parasitemia. Analysis of variance was used to identify independent variables associated with the %C3b-positive red cells and the hemoglobin level.ResultsIndividuals between the ages of 6 and 36 months had the lowest red cell CR1, highest %C3b-positive red cells, and highest parasite density. Malaria prevalence also reached its peak within this age group. Among children ≤ 24 months of age the %C3b-positive red cells was usually higher in individuals who were treated for malaria than in uninfected individuals with similarly low red cell CR1 and CD55. The variables that most strongly influenced the %C3b-positive red cells were age, malaria status, and red cell CD55 level. Although it did not reach statistical significance, red cell CR1 was more important than red cell CD55 among individuals treated for malaria. The variables that most strongly influenced the hemoglobin level were age, the %C3b-positive red cells, red cell CR1, and red cell CD55.ConclusionIncreasing malaria prevalence among children >6 to ≤ 36 months of age in western Kenya, together with low red cell CR1 and CD55 levels, results in increased C3b deposition on red cells and low hemoglobin. The strong contribution of age to C3b deposition suggests that there are still additional unidentified age-related factors that increase the susceptibility of red cells to C3b deposition and destruction.
Midkine promoter-based conditionally replicative adenovirus therapy for midkine-expressing human pancreatic cancer
Authors: Toyoda Eiji , Doi Ryuichiro , Kami Kazuhiro , Mori Tomohiko , Ito Daisuke , Koizumi Masayuki , Kida Atsushi , Nagai Kazuyuki , Ito Tatsuo , Masui Toshihiko , Wada Michihiko , Tagawa Masatoshi , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
To develop a novel therapeutic strategy for human pancreatic cancer using a midkine promoter-based conditionally replicating adenovirus.

Methods
We examined midkine mRNA expression and midkine protein expression by seven human pancreatic cancer cell lines (AsPC-1, BxPC-3, CFPAC-1, HPAC, MIAPaCa-2, PANC-1, and Suit-2), as well as by non-cancerous pancreatic tissue and pancreatic cancers. Midkine promoter activity was measured in cancer cell lines by the dual luciferase reporter assay. Adenoviral transduction efficiency was assessed by fluorescent staining of cancer cell lines using adenovirus type 5 containing the green fluorescent protein gene (Ad5GFP). Replication of adenovirus type 5 containing the 0.6 kb midkne promoter (Ad5MK) was assessed by the detection of E1 protein in cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity of Ad5MK for cancer cells was evaluated from the extent of growth inhibition after viral infection. Infection and replication were also assessed in nude mice with subcutaneous Suit-2 tumors by intratumoral injection of Ad5MK, Ad5GFP, or vehicle. E1a mRNA expression in the treated tumors and expression of the replication-specific adenoviral hexon protein were evaluated. Finally, the anti-tumor activity of Ad5MK against intraperitoneal xenografts of Suit-2 pancreatic cancer cells was examined after intraperitoneal injection of the virus.

Results
Both midkine mRNA expression and midkine protein expression were strong in AsPC-1 and CFPAC-1 cell liens, moderate in BxPC-3, HPAC, and Suit-2 cell lines, and weak in PANC-1 and MIAPaCa-2 cell lines. Expression of midkine mRNA was significantly stronger in pancreatic cancers than in non-cancerous pancreatic tissues. The relative luciferase activity mediated by the 0.6 kb midkne fragment in AsPC-1, PANC-1, and Suit-2 cell lines was approximately 6 to 20 times greater than that in midkne-negative MIAPaCa-2 cell lines. Pancreatic cancer cell lines exhibited a heterogeneous adenoviral transduction profile. E1A expression was higher in cell lines with strong midkine expression than in cell lines with weak midkine expression. Ad5MK showed much greater cytotoxicity for midkine-expressing Suit-2 and PANC-1 cell lines than for midkine-negative MIAPaCa-2 cell lines. In the Suit-2 subcutaneous xenograft model, expression of E1A was detected in Ad5MK-treated tumors, but not in untreated and Ad5GFP-treated tumors. In the Suit-2 intraperitoneal xenograft model, the Ad5MK group survived for significantly longer than the Ad5GFP, PBS, and untreated groups.

Conclusion
Ad5MK has an anti-tumor effect against human pancreatic cancer cell lines that express midkine mRNA. Midkine promoter-based conditionally replicative adenovirus might be a promising new gene therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Computerized tomographic angiography for preoperative assessment of the superficial temporal artery for external carotid artery to internal carotid artery bypass: Case illustration
Authors: Farsad Khashayar , Hayek Reyaad A , Mamourian Alexander C , Friedman Jonathan A 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Introduction
While catheter angiography has traditionally been used to assess the caliber and course of the superficial temporal artery prior to its use as a conduit for external carotid artery to internal carotid artery (EC-IC) bypass, computed tomographic angiography (CTA) has become increasingly used in the diagnostic assessment of cerebral vasculature. We demonstrate the application of CTA for evaluation of the superficial temporal artery as a vascular conduit for EC-IC bypass.

Case presentation
A female in the fourth decade of life presented with the chief complaint of headache. CTA of the Circle of Willis revealed an unruptured fusiform aneurysm of the M1 segment of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). We performed CTA for the preoperative assessment of the STA for a putative EC-IC bypass procedure, and correlated this to conventional external carotid angiography. Reformatted CTA provided excellent surface visualization of the STA and its course in relationship to the cranial and zygomatic surfaces, and correlated well with findings on the conventional angiogram.

Conclusion
CTA may eventually prove sufficient for use in assessing the STA in preparation for EC-IC bypass.
Molecular evolution of neuropeptides in the genus Drosophila
Authors: Wegener Christian , Gorbashov Anton 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Background
Neuropeptides comprise the most diverse group of neuronal signaling molecules. They often occur as multiple sequence-related copies within single precursors (the prepropeptides). These multiple sequence-related copies have not arisen by gene duplication, and it is debated whether they are mutually redundant or serve specific functions. The fully sequenced genomes of 12 Drosophila species provide a unique opportunity to study the molecular evolution of neuropeptides.

Results
We data-mined the 12 Drosophila genomes for homologs of neuropeptide genes identified in Drosophila melanogaster. We then predicted peptide precursors and the neuropeptidome, and biochemically identified about half of the predicted peptides by direct mass spectrometric profiling of neuroendocrine tissue in four species covering main phylogenetic lines of Drosophila. We found that all species have an identical neuropeptidome and peptide hormone complement. Calculation of amino acid distances showed that ortholog peptide copies are highly sequence-conserved between species, whereas the observed sequence variability between peptide copies within single precursors must have occurred prior to the divergence of the Drosophila species.

Conclusion
We provide a first genomic and chemical characterization of fruit fly neuropeptides outside D. melanogaster. Our results suggest that neuropeptides including multiple peptide copies are under stabilizing selection, which suggests that multiple peptide copies are functionally important and not dispensable. The last common ancestor of Drosophila obviously had a set of neuropeptides and peptide hormones identical to that of modern fruit flies. This is remarkable, since drosophilid flies have adapted to very different environments.