bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upright stereotactic vacuum‐assisted needle biopsy of suspicious breast microcalcifications
Authors: Sim LSJ , Kei PL 
Published: September 2008

SummaryStereotactic core needle biopsy is a useful technique for evaluation of suspicious breast microcalcifications. The development of the 11‐G vacuum‐assisted biopsy system offers another method of minimally invasive biopsy carried out on a conventional mammography unit. We evaluate its usefulness, efficacy and safety in Asian women. Vacuum‐assisted biopsy was carried out through the lateral approach using an add‐on stereotactic device attached to a mammography unit. One hundred and five lesions were sampled in 97 patients. Excisional biopsy was subsequently Carried out for diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia or carcinoma in high‐risk patients. Patients with benign diagnosis underwent mammographic follow up. The technical success rate was 97%. An average of 13.5 tissue cores were retrieved for each lesion. The histopathological result obtained from mammotome was benign in 84.8% and malignant in 15.2%. The benign microcalcifications were predominantly fibrocystic change (n = 42) whereas the malignant microcalcifications included ductal carcinoma in situ (n = 15) and invasive carcinoma (n = 1). Twenty‐two patients underwent subsequent open surgical biopsy but no underestimation of disease was seen. Only two patients had vasovagal syncope and three others felt unwell during the biopsy. Nine patients had small haematomas, which resolved spontaneously. Vacuum‐assisted biopsy carried out on an upright stereotactic mammography unit is a safe and effective method for evaluation of suspicious microcalcifications.
Radiation protection to the eye and thyroid during diagnostic cerebral angiography: A phantom study
Authors: Shortt CP , Malone L , Thornton J , Brennan P , Lee MJ 
Published: September 2008

SummaryWe measured radiation doses to the eye and thyroid during diagnostic cerebral angiography to assess the effectiveness of bismuth and lead shields at dose reduction. Phantom head angiographic studies were performed with bismuth (study 1) and lead shields (study 2). In study 1 (12 phantoms), thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) were placed over the eyes and thyroid in three groups: (i) no shields (four phantoms); (ii) anterior bismuth shields (four phantoms) and (iii) anterior and posterior bismuth shields (four phantoms). In a second study (eight phantoms), lead shields were placed over the thyroid only and TLD dose measurements obtained in two groups: (i) no shielding (four phantoms) and (ii) thyroid lead shielding (four phantoms). A standard 4‐vessel cerebral angiogram was performed on each phantom. Study 1 (bismuth shields) showed higher doses to the eyes compared with thyroid (mean 13.03 vs 5.98 mSv, P < 0.001) and a higher eye dose on the X‐ray tube side. Overall, the use of bismuth shielding did not significantly reduce dose to either eyes or thyroid in the measured TLD positions. In study 2, a significant thyroid dose reduction was found with the use of lead shields (47%, mean 2.46 vs 4.62 mSv, P < 0.001). Considerable doses to the eyes and thyroid highlight the need for increased awareness of patient protection. Eye shielding is impractical and interferes with diagnostic capability. Thyroid lead shielding yields significant protection to the thyroid, is not in the field of view and should be used routinely.
Direct percutaneous puncture embolization of a peripancreatic pseudoaneurysm presenting with haemosuccus pancreaticus
Authors: Santiagu S , Gananadha S , Harrington TJ , Samra JS 
Published: September 2008

SummaryHaemosuccus pancreaticus is a rare cause of gastrointestinal haemorrhage. It is commonly due to a pseudoaneurysm in a setting of chronic pancreatitis. Treatment of aneurysms has traditionally been surgery; however, recently percutaneous radiological intervention has achieved good results with minimum morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter embolization of aneurysms is an effective treatment option. However, not all aneurysms are accessible through this route. We describe a technique of direct puncture embolization of a pseudoaneurysm causing haemosuccus pancreaticus.
Small islet cell tumour in the pancreas: Diagnostic value of diffusion‐weighted MRI
Authors: Nishie A , Obuchi M , Howe J , Dahmoush L , Stolpen A 
Published: September 2008

SummaryWe present a case of a small islet cell tumour that was clearly depicted on diffusion‐weighted imaging using a free breathing approach and discuss the diagnostic value of this sequence.
Basal cell carcinoma of the nose: An Australian and New Zealand Radiation Oncology patterns‐of‐practice study
Authors: Veness MJ , Chong L , Tiver K , Gebski V 
Published: September 2008

SummaryPatients with a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the nose may be recommended radiotherapy (RT) with a wide variation in techniques and prescribed dose fractionation schedules between clinicians. The aim of this study was to ascertain variability in the patterns of practice among Australian and New Zealand radiation oncologists (ROs) when treating BCC arising on the nose. A postal survey was sent to 222 practising ANZ ROs detailing 12 different clinical scenarios of a BCC arising on the nose. The treatment selected for each scenario was analysed according to clinician’s attitudes, training, experience and the availability of resources. The response rate was 74% (165/222) with 90 respondents treating non‐melanoma skin cancer. Training was perceived to have a marked influence on treatment practice by most (79%). In total, 72% of ROs were ‘very certain’ in their choice of a dose fractionation schedule for obtaining local control and 61% for a satisfactory cosmetic outcome, respectively. Most (76%) favoured low‐voltage photons over electrons as the optimal method of treatment, although for certain clinical scenarios most would use electrons. Dose fractionation schedules were highly variable with a lower total dose and hypofractionation favoured for older patients. Low‐voltage photons were favoured for the T1 BCC and electrons for the T2 and T4 BCC. Nearly one‐third of the ROs chose megavoltage photons for the T4 lesion. There is marked variation in treatment practices in terms of recommending RT over other treatment options, the choice of RT method, the dose fractionation schedule, the extent of field margins and the point of dose prescription.
Phantom measurements and computed estimates of breast dose with radiotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Dose reduction with the use of the involved field*
Authors: Wirth A , Kron T , Wittwer H , Sullivan K , Sorell G , Cramb J 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe risk of breast cancer following radiotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma appears to be dose related. In this study we compared breast dose in an anthropomorphic phantom for conventional ‘mantle’; upper mediastinal/bilateral neck (minimantle) and unilateral neck fields, and evaluated the accuracy of computer planned dose estimates for out‐of‐field doses. For each field, computer‐planned breast dose (CPD) estimates were compared with thermoluminescence dosimetry measurements in five locations within ‘breast tissue’. CPD were also compared with ion chamber measurements in a slab phantom. Measured dose and CPD were within 20% of each other up to approximately 10 cm from the field edge. Beyond 10 cm, the CPD underestimated dose by a factor of 2 or more. The mini‐mantle reduced the breast dose by a factor of approximately 10 compared with the mantle treatment. Treating the neck field lowered the breast dose by a further 50% or more. Modern involved‐field radiotherapy for lymphoma substantially reduces breast dose compared with mantle fields. Computer dosimetery underestimated dose at larger distances from the field. This needs to be considered if computer dosimetery is used to estimate breast dose and, by extrapolation, breast cancer risk.
In vitro response of primary human bone marrow stromal cells to recombinant human bone morphogenic protein‐2 in the early and late stages of osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Kim In Sook , Song Yoon Mi , Cho Tae Hyung , Park Yong Doo , Lee Kyu Back , Noh Insup , Weber Franz , Hwang Soon Jung 
Published: September 2008

A number of factors must be added to human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) in vitro to induce osteogenesis, including ascorbic acid (AA), β‐glycerophosphate (GP), and dexamethasone (Dex). Bone morphogenic protein (BMP)‐2 is an osteoinductive factor that can commit stromal cells to differentiate into osteoblasts. However, it is still not clear whether the addition of BMP‐2 alone in vitro can induce hBMSCs to complete osteoblast differentiation, resulting in matrix mineralization. This study compares the effects of BMP‐2 and Dex, alone and combined, on the early and late stages of hBMSC differentiation. We found that BMP‐2 causes a significant induction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in hBMSCs, with a transcriptional upregulation of known BMP‐2‐responsive genes, and the stable expression of cbfa1 in the nucleus and the regions surrounding the nucleus in the early phase of osteoblast differentiation. However, continuous treatment with BMP‐2 alone at doses ranging from 100 to 300 ng/mL results in a less efficient enhancement of in vitro matrix mineralization, despite a significant induction of ALP activity at a concentration of 100 ng/mL. Our results reflect how the effects of BMP‐2 on hBMSCs can vary depending on the stage of osteoblast differentiation, and highlight the need to understand the role of BMP‐2 in primary hBMSCs derived from diverse sources in order to increase the efficiency of using BMP‐2 in osteoinductive therapies.
Current application of confocal endomicroscopy in gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Nguyen Nam Q , Leong Rupert WL 
Published: September 2008

AbstractConfocal endomicroscopy (CEM) is a recent advancement in imaging technology that incorporates a confocal laser microscope into the tip of a flexible endoscope. The 1000‐fold magnification and high resolution allows for real time in vivo histology or “virtual biopsies” of the gastrointestinal tract mucosa. CEM has the capability to instantaneously diagnose intra‐epithelial neoplasia during endoscopy, alone or in combination with a “red‐flag” technique, such as chromoendoscopy. Therefore, there is clinical utility in the surveillance or diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus, gastric intestinal metaplasia and cancer, longstanding ulcerative colitis, and colonic neoplasia. Furthermore, CEM also appears to be useful in the evaluation of coeliac disease, microscopic colitis, and in diagnosing Helicobacter pylori chronic gastritis. This review examines the current available data on the utility of this new technology in clinical gastroenterology and its potential impact in the future.
Polymorphisms of interleukin‐1 and interleukin‐2 genes in patients with gastric cancer in Korea
Authors: Shin Woon Geon , Jang Ji Sun , Kim Hyoung Su , Kim Sung Jung , Kim Kyung Ho , Jang Myoung Kuk , Lee Jin Heon , Kim Ha Jung , Kim Hak Yang 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Interleukin (IL)‐1 gene polymorphism has been reported to be associated with the increment of gastric cancer (GC) and the decrement of duodenal ulcers (DU). In addition, IL‐2 is known to induce Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐associated gastric atrophy, but it is not known whether IL‐2 gene polymorphism increases the risk of GC (GC) or peptic ulcer diseases. Therefore, we compared the genotypes of IL‐1B, IL‐1RN, and IL‐2 gene polymorphisms with risk of gastric ulcers (GU), GC, and DU in Korean patients.Methods:  In total, 116 GU, 122 GC, and 104 DU patients were included consecutively and compared with 100 healthy controls. Polymorphisms of the IL‐1B‐511/‐31 gene, the penta‐allelic variable number of tandem repeats of the IL‐1RN gene, and the IL‐2‐330 gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism or confronting two‐pair primers methods.Results:  The age–sex‐adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the IL‐1B‐511 T genotype relative to the C/C genotype (OR = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41–1.65), IL‐1RN*2 genotype relative to the L/L genotype (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.41–1.78), and IL‐2‐330 T genotype relative to the G/G genotype (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 0.76–4.96) were not increased in GC. There was also no significant difference in the genotypes of these cytokine polymorphisms between the study group (GU or DU) and control group. In addition, genotypic frequency was not associated with H. pylori positivity and histological type of GC.Conclusion:  IL‐1B‐511, IL‐1RN, and IL‐2 genetic polymorphisms were not important contributors to the pathogenesis of GU, GC, and DU in Korean patients.
Inhibition of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 expression by siRNA in rat hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Hu Ping‐Fang , Zhu Ying‐Wei , Zhong Wei , Chen Yue‐Xiang , Lin Yong , Zhang Xin , Yin Chuan , Yue Hai‐Yan , Xie Wei‐Fen 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The plasminogen activator/plasmin system is known to regulate the extracellular matrix turnover. The aim of this study was to detect the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) during liver fibrogenesis and investigate the functional effects of PAI‐1 gene silencing in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) using small interfering RNA (siRNA).Methods:  Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced through serial subcutaneously injections of CCl4 and the expression of PAI‐1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PAI‐1 siRNA molecules were constructed and transiently transfected into HSC‐T6 using the cell suspension transfection method. The pSUPER RNA interfering system was used to establish the HSC stable cell line pSUPER‐shPAI. Expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor‐beta, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1, and collagen types I and III were evaluated by real‐time PCR. Cell proliferation and the cell cycle were determined by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method and flow cytometry. Collagen content in HSCs supernatant was evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  The results showed that PAI‐1 was upregulated during liver fibrosis, and its expression was closely correlated with the deposition of collagens. SiRNA molecules were successfully transfected into HSCs and induced inhibition of PAI‐1 expression time dependently. Moreover, PAI‐1 siRNA treatment downregulated alpha‐smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor‐beta, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 expression, and inhibited collagen types I and III synthesis both at the mRNA and protein level in transiently and stably transfected HSCs.Conclusions:  This study suggests a significant functional role for PAI‐1 in the development of liver fibrosis and that downregulating PAI‐1 expression might present as a potential strategy to treat liver fibrosis.
Expression of a splice variant of CXCR3 in Crohn's disease patients; indication for a lymphocyte—epithelial cell interaction
Authors: Manousou Pinelopi , Kolios George , Drygiannakis Ioannis , Pyrovolaki Katerina , Bourikas Leonidas , Papadaki Helen A. , Kouroumalis Elias 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  T‐lymphocyte migration is implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). CXC chemokines MIG, IP‐10, and I‐TAC act by binding to CXCR3 receptor on T‐lymphocytes. We investigated the role of these chemokines and their receptor in patients with UC, CD, and normal controls (NC).Methods:  Chemokine expression and serum levels were examined in colonic biopsies from patients and NC using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. HT‐29 and Caco2 colonic epithelial cells were studied following in vitro stimulation with proinflammatory (Th1) and Th2‐derived cytokines. CXCR3 receptor expression was assessed in CD3+ peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from patients and NC and in stimulated Jurkat leukaemia cells, using RT‐PCR and flow cytometry.Results:  Full size CXCR3 mRNA (FS) expression was found in CD3+ PBL from controls and UC, but not from CD patients. In contrast, CD3+ PBL from CD patients showed a marked mRNA expression of the spliced variant CXCR3 (TV). This finding explains the high expression of CXCR3 on CD3+ PBL from CD patients in flow cytometry. Increased chemokine expression and production was found in colonic biopsies and serum from CD compared to UC patients and controls. Stimulation of epithelial cells with proinflammatory cytokines significantly induced chemokine production. The addition of Th2 cytokines had an inhibitory effect. Stimulation of Jurkat cells with cytokines and supernatant conditioned media from epithelial cells induced CXCR3TV expression.Conclusions:  These data demonstrate that PBL from CD patients express a spliced variant of the CXCR3 receptor and suggest a role for the colonic epithelial cells in T‐lymphocyte migration in intestinal inflammation.
Clinical course linkage among different priapism subtypes: Dilemma in the management strategies
Authors: Hisasue Shin‐ichi , Kobayashi Ko , Kato Ryuichi , Hashimoto Kohei , Yamashita Shinichi , Takahashi Satoshi , Masumori Naoya , Tsukamoto Taiji 
Published: September 2008

Objectives:  Priapism is a rare condition whose management differs according to the etiology. We report the clinical course of three forms of priapism to assess the feasibility and safety of recent management strategies.Methods:  The study included eight patients complaining of persistent erection for ≥4 h who were treated in our institution between January 1996 and July 2007.Results:  Overall, we categorized 12 cases of priapism in eight patients divided as follows: five cases of ischemic priapism (IP), three of stuttering priapism (SP), and four of non‐ischemic priapism (NIP). Two of five IP patients needed a shunt procedure, which led to the subsequent erectile dysfunction. The other three were treated successfully with a corporal injection of sympathomimetic agents and subsequently suffered from SP. One of the three SP patients suffered from mimicked NIP with increased arterial blood flow during the initial treatment for IP. Four of the NIP patients including the mimicked one achieved complete detumescence, through arterial embolization in two and conservative management in two.Conclusions:  Current management seems effective and safe in the short‐term. However, the long‐term outcome of the treatment for IP is still disappointing. Careful long‐term observation is needed for an appropriate management.
Helicobacter pylori infection detected by 14C‐Urea breath test is associated with iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women
Authors: Mulayim Barıs , Celik Nilufer Y. , Yanık Filiz F. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAims:  To determine whether there is a relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, iron deficiency anemia and thrombocytopenia in pregnant women.Methods:  Hemoglobin and ferritin levels and platelet counts of pregnant women were measured during the third trimester. H. pylori infection was determined using a 14C‐urea breath test (14C‐UBT) after delivery. Statistical analyses were determined with a Mann–Whitney U‐test and the χ2 test. Statistical significance was determined with a P‐value less than .05.Results:  Seventy‐two of 117 women had positive results on the 14C‐UBT. Overall, 27 of 117 pregnant women had anemia (23.1%), and all them were in the H. pylori‐positive group; 18 of 27 (66.7%) had iron deficiency anemia. Median hemoglobin levels and neonatal body weights were 12.0 g/dL vs 12.0 g/dL and 3320.0 grams vs 3520.0 grams in the H. pylori‐positive and negative groups, respectively. Serum hemoglobin and ferritin levels and neonatal body weight were found to be lower in the anemic group compared with the non‐anemic group among H. pylori‐infected women (P = 0.0001, P = 0.02, P = 0.008, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences with regard to gestational thrombocytopenia between the H. pylori‐positive and H. pylori‐negative groups (P = 0.532).Conclusions:  Our study indicates that there is a strong relationship between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia in women with uncomplicated pregnancy. However, an association between H. pylori infection and thrombocytopenia was not found.
Parity is associated with lower cervical E‐cadherin expression in postmenopausal women
Authors: Sioulas Vasileios , Lambrinoudaki Irene , Politi Ekaterini , Kyroudi Aspasia , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Panoulis Constantinos , Augoulea Areti , Kaparos George , Creatsa Maria , Koutselini Helen , Papadias Konstantinos 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAim:  Epithelial cadherin (E‐cadherin), a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in calcium‐dependent homophilic cell‐cell adhesion, is expressed aberrantly during cervical carcinogenesis. E‐cadherin expression and putatively implicated predictors in healthy women remain a rather under‐investigated area. The objective of this study is to evaluate the possible associations between E‐cadherin expression and reproductive/lifestyle factors in cervical epithelial cells from postmenopausal women.Methods:  A total of 105 healthy postmenopausal women (aged 45–68 years old) attending a university menopause clinic were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Pap smears were derived and E‐cadherin immunostaining was evaluated in squamous, glandular and squamous metaplastic cells, using a semi‐quantitative method (rating scale: 0–3). Reproductive and lifestyle factors were obtained from patients’ chart review.Results:  In squamous cells, women with a history of 0–1 deliveries presented with a higher score vs women with 2–4 deliveries (P = 0.003). Social drinkers and women drinking alcohol daily exhibited a higher E‐cadherin immunostaining score in squamous cells vs non‐drinkers (0.96 ± 0.72 vs 0.56 ± 0.65, P = 0.004). A higher dietary calcium intake was marginally correlated with a lower staining score in squamous cells (0.94 ± 0.78 for low, 0.71 ± 0.70 for average, 0.45 ± 0.52 for high consumption, P = 0.073).Conclusions:  E‐cadherin expression seems to be associated with reproductive history and lifestyle habits in squamous cervical cells from healthy postmenopausal women. E‐cadherin might participate in the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of parity as a risk factor for cervical cancer.