bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Original article: Evaluation of cytokine mRNA in induced sputum from patients with allergic rhinitis: relationship to airway hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Sohn S.‐W. , Lee H.‐S. , Park H.‐W. , Chang Y.‐S. , Kim Y.‐K. , Cho S.‐H. , Kim Y.‐Y. , Min K.‐U. 
Published: February 2008

Background:  Although airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a characteristic feature of asthma, it is also frequently present in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the pathogenesis of AHR is unclear and the roles of cytokines in the airway have not been well established in AR. We sought to compare cytokine mRNA levels in the sputum of AR patients with or without AHR and those of asthma patients, and to evaluate whether differences in cytokine levels are associated with the development of an abnormal airway response and the absence of respiratory symptoms in AR patients with AHR.Methods:  Airway cells were obtained by sputum induction from 18 AR patients with AHR, 58 AR patients without AHR, and 27 asthma patients. Airway cell cytokine levels, interleukin (IL) ‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), were studied at the mRNA level by RT‐PCR.Results:  Vascular endothelial growth factor and IL‐5 mRNA levels were significantly higher in AR patients with AHR than in AR patients without AHR, but these were lower than those of asthmatic patients. Eosinophils were significantly higher in AR patients with AHR and in asthmatic patients than in AR patients without AHR. Interleukin‐4, IL‐13, and IFN‐γ levels were not elevated in AR patients with or without AHR vs asthma patients.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that VEGF and IL‐5 can be important determinants of the development of AHR in AR patients and that lower levels of other cytokines may be associated with the absence of asthmatic symptoms in AR patients with AHR.
Original article: SCF and IL‐31 rather than IL‐17 and BAFF are potential indicators in patients with allergic asthma
Authors: Lei Z. , Liu G. , Huang Q. , Lv M. , Zu R. , Zhang G.‐M. , Feng Z.‐H. , Huang B. 
Published: February 2008

Background:  Although the prevalence of allergic asthma increased quickly in the past decade, the diagnostic criteria have not been well established. The aim of the present study was to explore whether stem cell factor (SCF), B cell‐activating factor (BAFF), and cytokines interleukin (IL)‐17 and IL‐31 are usable parameters for the diagnosis of allergic asthmatics.Methods:  Blood samples were collected from patients with allergic asthma, control patients, and healthy control subjects. The serum concentrations of SCF, BAFF, IL‐17, and IL‐31 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The corresponding mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined by real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction.Results:  A good correlation existed between protein levels of SCF and IL‐31 and their mRNA levels (SCF: r = 0.6162; IL‐31: r = 0.5463). The serum concentrations of SCF and IL‐31 in allergic asthmatic patients, but not control patients, were significantly higher than those in normal control subjects (SCF: median 1.83 vs 0.85 ng/ml, P < 0.01; IL‐31: 50.15 vs 10.01 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Consistently, the levels of SCF and IL‐31 mRNAs in allergic asthmatic patients’ PBMCs were also significantly higher than those in normal control subjects (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively).Conclusions:  These findings suggest that allergic asthma is characterized by an elevation of cytokines SCF and IL‐31 and the measurement of their expression at either protein level in serum or mRNA level in PBMCs will be a valuable parameter for the diagnosis of allergic asthma.
Original article: Prevalence and cumulative incidence of food hypersensitivity in the first 3 years of life
Authors: Venter C. , Pereira B. , Voigt K. , Grundy J. , Clayton C. B. , Higgins B. , Arshad S. H. , Dean T. 
Published: February 2008

Background:  Prevalence and incidence of food hypersensitivity (FHS) and its trends in early childhood are unclear.Methods:  A birth cohort born on the Isle of Wight (UK) between 2001 and 2002 was followed‐up prospectively. Children were clinically examined and skin prick tested at set times and invited for food challenges when indicated.Results:  Nine hundred and sixty‐nine children were recruited and 92.9%, 88.5% and 91.9% of them respectively were assessed at 1, 2 and 3 years of age. Prevalence of sensitization to foods was 2.2%, 3.8% and 4.5% respectively at these ages. Cumulatively, 5.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.9–7.1] children were sensitized to a food. Using open food challenge and a good clinical history, the cumulative incidence of FHS was 6.0% (58/969, 95% CI: 4.6–7.7). Based on double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, food challenge (DBPCFC) and a good clinical history, the cumulative incidence was 5.0% (48/969, 95% CI: 3.7–6.5). There is no evidence to suggest that the incidence of FHS has increased, comparing these results with previous studies. Overall, 33.7% of parents reported a food‐related problem and of these, 16.1% were diagnosed with FHS by open challenge and history and 12.9% by DBPCFC and history. Main foods implicated were milk, egg and peanut.Conclusions:  By the age of 3 years, 5–6% of children suffer from FHS based on food challenges and a good clinical history. There were large discrepancies between reported and diagnosed FHS. Comparing our data with a study performed in the USA more than 20 years ago, there were no significant differences in the cumulative incidence of FHS.
Original article: Quality of life in rhinoconjunctivitis assessed with generic and disease‐specific questionnaires
Authors: Petersen K. D. , Kronborg C. , Gyrd‐Hansen D. , Dahl R. , Larsen J. N. , Løwenstein H. 
Published: February 2008

Background: Illness as perceived by the allergic patient with asthma and/or rhinoconjunctivitis (RC) can be assessed by measurements of their health‐related quality of life (HRQL). For this purpose the RC Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) has gained general acceptance; however, as most allergic patients experience symptoms from multiple organs, disease‐specific HRQL measures may be deficient. This study compares a generic and a disease‐specific HRQL instrument in grass and/or mite‐allergic patients.Methods: Two hundred and forty‐eight patients with RC and 121 patients with both RC and asthma were studied. Questionnaire information was obtained about allergy‐related RQLQ and a generic 15‐dimensional instrument for measuring HRQL (15D). Doctors provided general and disease‐specific information to classify disease severity according to the global initiative for asthma and allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma guidelines.Results: Rhinoconjunctivitis patients with persistent moderate‐to‐severe disease had an impaired quality of life on all items of RQLQ during allergen exposure. The 15D mean score was 0.98 on a day without allergy and 0.83 on a day with allergy (P < 0.001). The correlation between 15D and RQLQ wasr = −0.42 on a day with allergy (P < 0.001). Only 15D scores showed statistically significant differences in HRQL between patients with and without asthma.Conclusion: During allergen exposure patients with RC experience a serious deterioration in HRQL measured with the disease‐specific RQLQ instrument and the generic 15D instrument. The 15D instrument seems to generate a more comprehensive view of the impact of allergen exposure on patient’s quality of life than RQLQ.
Original article: TRAIL mediated signaling in human mast cells: the influence of IgE‐dependent activation
Authors: Berent‐Maoz B. , Salemi S. , Mankuta D. , Simon H.‐U. , Levi‐Schaffer F. 
Published: February 2008

Background:  Mast cells activation through FcɛRI cross‐linking has a pivotal role in the initiation of allergic reactions. The influence of this activation on programmed cell death of human mast cells has not yet been clarified. This study evaluates the influence of IgE‐dependent activation alone and in synergy with TRAIL on the expression of molecules involved in the apoptotic signal transduction.Methods:  Human cord blood derived mast cells (CBMC) were cultured with myeloma IgE followed by activation with anti‐human IgE. The expression of proteins involved in apoptotic signal transduction was assessed by immunoblot analysis. To test the effect of activation on a pro‐apoptotic stimulus, activated, IgE‐treated and resting CBMC were incubated with TRAIL, or in a medium with suboptimal concentrations of stem cell factor (SCF).Results:  In accordance with a previous study of ours, it was found that IgE‐dependent activation increased TRAIL‐induced caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 cleavage. However, it did not have a significant influence on CBMC death induced by SCF withdrawal. IgE‐dependent activation increased the expression of FLIP and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL‐1) anti‐apoptotic molecules as well as the pro‐apoptotic one, BIM. In addition, a decrease in BID expression was observed. TRAIL could reverse the increase in FLIP but did not influence the upregulation of MCL‐1 and of BIM.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that IgE‐dependent activation of human mast cells induces an increase in both pro‐survival and pro‐apoptotic molecules. We therefore hypothesized that IgE‐dependent activation may regulate human mast cell apoptosis by fine‐tuning anti‐apoptotic and pro‐apoptotic factors.
Is there a need for autopsies in the management of fungal disease?
Authors: Knoke Manfred , Bernhardt Hannelore , Schwesinger Günther 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe autopsy rates in Germany became low like in other European, American and Asian countries. Main reasons for this development are the lack of acceptance of autopsy in the society as well as in the medical profession, the introduction of a requirement for consent, unclear legal position, the public health system, pressure of costs and a change in the field of activity in pathology with much more diagnostics of surgical and biopsy material. The autopsy is missing with respect to the reliability of causes of death and morbidity statistics and other epidemiological studies. Published data indicate that up to 20–30% of patients who die in hospitals have important diseases/lesions that remain undetected before death but that are found at autopsy. For infectious diseases, the data are similar. Therefore, a higher incidence of invasive fungal infections was found. Some rare fungal disorders are diagnosed by autopsy. Only exact death statistics makes specific health care possible and is cost saving in a public health system in the long term. Autopsy remains an important tool for quality control in medical diagnostic and therapeutic activity. It is also essential for fundamental medical education and further training.
Mucormycotic pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery with tracheal involvement
Authors: Hashemzadeh S. , Tubbs R. S. , Fakhree M. B. A. , Shoja M. M. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryMucormycosis is an emerging and fatal fungal infection. A high index of suspicion and the knowledge of its potential manifestations are essential for early diagnosis. We describe a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (L2 subtype) who developed a neck mass following a course of induction chemotherapy. Doppler ultrasonography and angiography of the neck revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the right common carotid artery. The patient then developed haemoptysis. Surgical exploration revealed a necrotic right common carotid artery with anteromedial pseudoaneurysm and adjacent tracheal wall perforation. Local debridement and tracheal repair were performed. Nonseptate hypheal invasion (mucormycosis) was found on the microscopic examination of the excised arterial wall. A subsequent recurrence of pseudoaneurysm was treated with local surgical debridement and intravenous amphotericin B (Fungizone) administration. Although rare, clinicians should be aware of these possible presenting features of mucormycosis as early diagnosis and treatment may potentially improve the survival.
Effects of tigecycline and daptomycin on murine gut colonization by Candida albicans
Authors: Samonis George , Mantadakis Elpis , Barbounakis Emmanouel , Kofteridis Diamantis , Papadakis George , Sifaki Loukia , Maraki Sofia 
Published: February 2008

SummaryAdult male Crl:CD1 (ICR) BR mice were fed chow containing Candida albicans or regular chow. Both groups were subsequently given tigecycline or daptomycin or normal saline subcutaneously for 10 days. To determine the effect on the stool yeast concentration, stool cultures were performed immediately before, at the end, and 1 week after discontinuation of treatment. Candida‐colonized mice treated with tigecycline or daptomycin had higher counts of the yeast in their stools than control C. albicans‐colonized animals treated with saline. Tigecycline caused a significant increase of 2.1 log10 CFU g−1 of stools in C. albicans concentration, while daptomycin caused a minor increase of 0.4 log10 CFU g−1 of stools. Mice fed regular chow and treated with the study antibiotics or saline did not have any Candida in their stools. Dissemination of Candida was not detected in any animal. These data suggest that tigecycline induces a substantial increase in the intestinal concentration of C. albicans, while daptomycin causes only a minimal increase. However, these increases are not associated with dissemination of the yeast to internal organs. Clinical studies in humans are needed to validate our findings, especially in patients at risk of developing disseminated candidosis.
Multidetector CT portal venography in evaluation of portosystemic collateral vessels
Authors: Agarwal A , Jain M 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThis essay shows the usefulness of multidetector CT angiography for evaluation of the splenoportal venous system, which is essential in the management of patients with portal hypertension and its complications, such as portal vein thrombosis. By providing scanning with reconstruction of thin axial source images and reformatting into thicker multiplanar reformats, multidetector CT can help to determine the extent and location of portosystemic collateral vessels in patients with portal hypertension and is probably the optimal imaging technique in this setting.
Interventional radiology in the provision and maintenance of long‐term central venous access
Authors: Lyon SM , Given M , Marshall NL 
Published: February 2008

SummaryEstablishing and maintaining venous access forms an increasing proportion of the workload in interventional radiology. Several patient groups require medium‐term to long‐term venous catheters for a variety of purposes, including chemotherapy, long‐term antimicrobials, parenteral nutrition, short‐term access for haemodialysis or exhausted haemodialysis. Often, these catheters are required for treatment and frequent blood testing, which can quickly exhaust the peripheral veins. Long‐term venous access devices minimize the discomfort of frequent cannulation while preserving the peripheral veins. Venous access devices include implantable catheters (ports), tunnelled catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters, which have different functions, advantages and limitations. Imaging‐guided placement is the preferred method of insertion in many institutions because of higher success rates and radiologists are well suited to address catheter complications.
Lymph node enlargement in pulmonary arterial hypertension due to chronic thromboembolism
Authors: Bergin CJ , Park KJ 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and location of enlarged mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) due to chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (CPTE) and to identify possible causes. Thoracic CT images of 85 patients (43 men and 42 women, aged 18–80 years) with PAH in whom CPTE was confirmed at surgery (n = 75) or angiography and angioscopy (n = 10) were evaluated by two thoracic radiologists to determine the presence, size and location of lymph nodes more than 1 cm in the short axis. The presence of pleural and pericardial effusions and parenchymal abnormalities were also noted. Enlarged lymph nodes were identified in 38 patients (44.7%), including 11 with possible causes of lymphadenopathy other than CPTE. In the 27 patients with CPTE alone, 67 enlarged lymph nodes were detected (average 2.5 per patient). Nine patients had three or more enlarged lymph nodes. The most common sites of lymph node enlargement were American Thoracic Society locations 7 (n = 13), 6 (n = 10), 11L (n = 9), 10R (n = 7) and 4R (n = 7). Pleural and pericardial effusions were more common in patients with CPTE who also had lymphadenopathy than in the group with no lymphadenopathy (P < 0.05). Lymph node enlargement is common in patients with PAH caused by CPTE. The frequent association of lymphadenopathy with pleural and pericardial effusions suggest a possible pathophysiological mechanism of increased lymphatic flow caused by right heart failure.
Transrectal ultrasound in detecting prostate cancer compared with serum total prostate‐specific antigen levels
Authors: Tamsel S , Killi R , Hekimgil M , Altay B , Soydan S , Demirpolat G 
Published: February 2008

SummaryWe carried out a retrospective study to review the efficiency of grey‐scale transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in detecting prostate cancer compared with the data in recent published work, including alternative imaging methods of the prostate gland. Our study group consisted of 830 patients who underwent TRUS‐guided biopsy of the prostate between May 2000 and June 2004. The relation between abnormal TRUS findings and serum total prostate‐specific antigen (tPSA) levels was evaluated in patients with prostate cancer who were divided into three different groups according to serum tPSA levels. Group I included patients with tPSA levels of 4–9.9 ng/mL, group II included tPSA levels of 10–19.9 ng/mL and group III included patients with tPSA levels of 20 ng/mL or more. In general, TRUS detected 185 (64%) of 291 cancers with a specificity of 89%, a PPV of 76% and an accuracy of 80%. TRUS findings enabled the correct identification of 22 (56%) of the 39 cancers in group I, 28 (30%) of the 93 cancers in group II and 135 (85%) of the 159 cancers in group III. In conclusion, TRUS alone has a limited potential to identify prostate cancer, especially in patients with tPSA levels lower than 20 ng/mL. Therefore, increased numbers of systematically placed biopsy cores must be taken or alternative imaging methods are required to direct TRUS‐guided biopsy for improving prostate cancer detection.
Prevalence of significant extracoronary findings on multislice CT coronary angiography examinations and coronary artery calcium scoring examinations
Authors: Law YM , Huang J , Chen K , Cheah FK , Chua T 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe purpose of the study was to review the prevalence of significant extracoronary findings in patients who underwent multislice CT coronary angiography examinations and coronary artery calcium scoring examinations. We reviewed the reports of 295 consecutive patients who underwent multislice CT coronary angiography examinations and 140 consecutive patients who had separate coronary calcium scoring examinations from September 2004 to March 2006 in our department‘s radiology information system. Additional investigations carried out as a result of these findings were also recorded. Fifty‐six (19%) out of 295 patients had significant extracoronary findings on coronary CT angiography requiring clinical or radiological follow up. There were 60 significant extracoronary findings. These included 24 patients who had pulmonary abnormalities, 4 who had mediastinal abnormalities, 20 who had upper abdominal abnormalities and 5 who had non‐coronary cardiac abnormalities. Three patients had both pulmonary and upper abdominal abnormalities. Eleven (8%) out of 140 patients had significant pulmonary, breast, mediastinal, upper abdominal and cardiac abnormalities on coronary artery calcium scoring examinations, yielding a total of 12 significant findings. In our experience, 19% of the patients who underwent multislice CT coronary angiography and 8% of the patients who underwent coronary artery calcium scoring examinations had significant extracoronary findings requiring follow up. It is therefore imperative for the reporting physician to review the entire examination after the coronary arteries have been assessed. The prevalence of extracoronary findings on these examinations may be of significance, resulting in additional ‘hidden costs’ if widespread ‘screening’ is adopted.
Follow up of coiled intracranial aneurysms with standard resolution and higher resolution magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Dupre S , Coulthard A 
Published: February 2008

SummaryTime‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography is a non‐invasive alternative to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for follow up of coiled intracranial aneurysms. Standard cranial MRA protocols are a compromise between spatial resolution and imaging time. This study compares a standard resolution MRA protocol with a protocol at higher spatial resolution MRA (HR‐MRA) in 21 follow‐up occasions in 17 coiled aneurysms in 15 patients. Images were reviewed for presence of residual or recurrent aneurysm and compared with DSA as the gold standard. Aneurysm flow signal on standard resolution MRA differed significantly from HR‐MRA in 6/21 cases (P = 0.02) and DSA in 6/21 cases (P = 0.02). HR‐MRA had 100% concordance with DSA (P = 1.0). In this study, three‐dimensional time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography carried out at standard resolution is inadequate for follow up of coiled intracranial aneurysms. HR‐MRA is comparable to DSA for detection of aneurysm recurrence.
Ultrasound‐based conformal planning for gynaecological brachytherapy
Authors: Van Dyk S , Bernshaw D 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThis report describes the evolving use of transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) as an imaging tool to verify tandem placement, localize the treatment volume and aid conformal brachytherapy planning for both cervical and uterine corpus cancers. Two patients, one with cancer of the cervix and one with cancer of the endometrium, are used as examples to illustrate the advantages of using TAUS. TAUS is used to guide applicator insertion and check the applicator in the treatment position. The dimensions of the uterus are recorded. Brachytherapy isodose plans are generated based on these measurements. Confirmation of uterine dimensions and isodose coverage is obtained using MRI taken after the initial fraction of treatment has been delivered. We illustrate how TAUS is successfully used to correct and verify tandem placement after the patient has been moved from insertion to treatment position. We also show how to use TAUS for conformal planning, based on individually derived target dimensions. TAUS has successfully been used to conformally plan treatment to the uterus and cervix, minimizing brachytherapy‐related toxicity to surrounding structures. Ultrasound is portable, inexpensive and simple to use and allows for accurate, conformal, reproducible and adaptive treatments.
Esthesioneuroblastoma: A case report of diffuse subdural recurrence and review of recently published studies
Authors: Capelle L , Krawitz H 
Published: February 2008

SummaryEsthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignancy arising from the olfactory epithelium. We present a case history of a 75‐year‐old man who presented with a Kadish stage C esthesioneuroblastoma and underwent craniofacial surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Two years later he was found to have diffuse subdural deposits with distant bone and nodal metastases, treated with further radiotherapy. The patient’s condition subsequently deteriorated and he died. Given this unusual pattern of failure, we review the recent published studies regarding the natural history, treatment and outcome for this tumour.