bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐ and site‐specific decline in insulin‐like growth factor‐I receptor expression is correlated with differential growth plate activity in the mouse hindlimb
Authors: Serrat Maria A. , Lovejoy C. Owen , King Donna 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe proximal and distal growth plates of the principal long bones do not contribute equally to longitudinal growth. Most forelimb elongation occurs at the shoulder and wrist, while most hindlimb growth occurs at the knee. This study examined whether insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), a potent growth regulator, could underlie this variation via differential receptor expression. The spatiotemporal distribution of the IGF‐I receptor (IGF‐IR) was mapped in hindlimb growth plates (overall and within regional zones) from immature mice using immunohistochemistry. Growth activity was assessed by size/morphology of the growth plate and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. Both IGF‐IR and PCNA staining declined considerably with age in the proximal femur and distal tibia (hip and ankle), but expression remained high in the more active distal femur and proximal tibia (knee) throughout growth. Growth plate size decreased with age in all sites, but the absolute and relative decline in IGF‐IR in the hips and ankles of older mice indicated a site‐specific loss of IGF‐I sensitivity in these less active regions. These results suggest that regulation of the IGF‐IR may at least partially mediate differential long bone growth, thereby providing a local mechanism for altering skeletal proportions absent modification of systemic hormone levels. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improvement of Sjögren's syndrome after two infusions of rituximab (anti‐CD20)
Authors: Devauchelle‐Pensec Valérie , Pennec Yvon , Morvan Johanne , Pers Jacques‐Olivier , Daridon Capucine , Jousse‐Joulin Sandrine , Roudaut Anne , Jamin Christophe , Renaudineau Yves , Roué Isabelle Quintin , Cochener Béatrice , Youinou Pierre , Saraux Alain 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveThere is evidence to support a dominant role for B cells in the pathophysiology of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Therefore, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody.MethodsSixteen patients who met the new American‐European Consensus Group criteria for primary SS and scored >50 on at least 2 of 4 visual analog scales (VAS; 100 mm) evaluating global disease, pain, fatigue, and global dryness received infusions of low‐dose rituximab (375 mg/m2) at weeks 0 and 1 without steroid premedication.ResultsSlow rituximab infusions (100 mg/hour) were well tolerated, with only 1 patient experiencing serum sickness–like disease. There was a dramatic reduction in B cells of the blood and salivary gland (SG). At week 12, VAS scores with respect to fatigue and dryness (P < 0.05), tender point count (P < 0.035), and quality of life as evaluated by the Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF‐36; P < 0.001) were significantly improved. At week 36, significant improvements were noted in the 4 VAS scores (P < 0.05), tender joint count (P = 0.017), tender point count (P = 0.027), and SF‐36 (P < 0.03). Pulmonary manifestations were ameliorated in 1 patient. Patients with improvements on at least 3 of the 4 VAS scores at any visit (n = 11) had a shorter disease duration than the other patients (n = 5; mean ± SD duration 3.8 ± 5.4 versus 30.1 ± 29.5 years; P = 0.02).ConclusionLow‐dose rituximab infusions were well tolerated without the benefit of steroids. Infusions induced a rapid depletion of B cells in the blood and SG and could improve primary SS. Controlled studies are needed.
Purification and characterization of the enantioselective nitrile hydratase from Rhodococcus sp. AJ270
Authors: Song Liya , Wang Meixiang , Yang Xiuqing , Qian Shijun 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNitrile hydratase (NHase, EC 4.2.1.84) from Rhodococcus sp. AJ270 was purified with 23.96% yield after sonication, ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion exchange, hydrophobic and gel‐filtration column chromatography. The enzyme showed intriguing characteristics: it hydrated not only aliphatic and heterocyclic nitriles but also aromatic ones. Some substrates were also hydrated enantioselectively to the corresponding amides. The enantiomeric excess (ee) value of the enzyme hydrating trans‐2,2‐dimethyl‐3‐phenylcyclopropanecarbonitrile was 84.7. The enzyme is composed of two subunits: an α subunit and β subunit of 22 975 Da and 23 493 Da, respectively. The optimal temperature and pH for the catalytic reaction of the enzyme was 25°C and pH 7.6. The enzyme activity of the purified NHase was strongly inhibited by some oxidizing agents and heavy metals.
Bronchiectasis: A study of the pathology of sixteen surgical lobectomies for bronchiectasis
Authors: Robinson W L 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
The problem of bronchieetasis, its etiology, pathology, and treatment, has held the interest and attention of clinician and pathologist alike for many years. Laennee1 (1826) was probably the first to refer to this condition. The next important contribution to the subject was that of Corrigan2 (1838), who, in a paper on cirrhosis of the lung, reported four cases. He considered the disease to be primarily a fibrosis of the lung with dilatation of the bronchi produced by traction of the scar tissue.
Randomized comparison of the neuroendocrine response to laparoscopic cholecystectomy using either conventional or abdominal wall lift techniques
Authors: Koivusalo A-M , Kellokumpu I , Scheinin M , Tikkanen I , Halme L , Lindgren L 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Increases in plasma renin activity and noradrenaline concentration occur in response to carbon dioxide insufflation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In a randomized study the conventional carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was compared with the abdominal wall lift method for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with special reference to neuroendocrine changes and renal function. The total mean(s.d.) volume of carbon dioxide insufflated was 42(23) litres with the conventional method and 9(7) litres with abdominal wall lift (P&lt; 0·001). Mean(s.d.) intra-abdominal pressure after 15 min of insufflation was 11(2) and 3(9) mmHg respectively (P&lt;0·01). In the conventional group mean(s.d.) plasma renin activity increased slightly from 5·5(2·1) to 6·1(2·0) ng ml−1 during the first 55 min of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In the abdominal wall lift group plasma renin activity decreased from 5·3(2·7) to 3·8(0·9) ng ml−1 (P&lt;0·01 between the groups). Plasma antidiuretic hormone concentration increased similarly in both groups. Diuresis was significantly less with conventional pneumoperitoneum during the first 35 min of the operation compared with the abdominal wall lift method (P&lt; 0·001). There were significant increases in plasma noradrenaline concentration in both groups (P&lt; 0·001), but the increase was slightly higher in the conventional group during the first 15 min of insufflation. The abdominal wall lift method with minimal carbon dioxide insufflation was associated with smaller neuroendocrine responses and better preservation of renal function compared with conventional carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum.
Alterations in intestinal function in acute pancreatitis in an experimental model
Authors: Wang X D , Wang Q , Andersson R , Ihse I 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Gastrointestinal tract failure may be involved in the development of systemic septic complications in acute pancreatitis. Systemic and intestinal circulation, intestinal permeability and absorptive function were evaluated in the early course of acute pancreatitis induced in rats by retrograde intraductal injection of 0·2 ml of 5 per cent sodium taurodeoxycholate and 0·4 nmol trypsin. A decrease in systemic arterial pressure and intestinal blood flow and an increase in intestinal permeability as measured by the leakage of 125I-labelled human serum albumin from blood to lumen were noted in the distal ileum and colon, reaching statistically significant differences 6 h after induction of pancreatitis. The transport of small molecular markers (sodium fluorescein and 51Cr-labelled ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid) through the distal ileum and colon in vitro from the mucosal to the serosal site in Ussing chambers significantly increased in the early period (20–60 min) of incubation, while the passage of a macromolecular marker (ovalbumin) demonstrated a definite increase at 60–120 min of incubation. D-Xylose absorption from the gut lumen to the portal vein was significantly less in acute pancreatitis than after sham operation. Intravenous administration of the hydroxyl radical scavenger dimethylsulphoxide prevented the compromised intestinal permeability and gut absorptive capacity induced by acute pancreatitis, but did not affect the reduced arterial pressure and intestinal microcirculation. Cytotoxic oxygen-derived free radicals may contribute to the development of alterations in intestinal permeability and absorptive function found in the early stage of acute pancreatitis in the rat.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Lale A M , Wheatley T J , Nicholson M L 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Minimally invasive surgical techniques cause little disruption of the abdominal wall and peritoneum and have clear potential benefits in patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The presence of a peritoneal catheter allows the creation of a pneumoperitoneum completely non-invasively.
Audit of general practitioner referrals to a surgical assessment unit: New methods to improve the efficiency of the acute surgical service
Authors: Dookeran K A , Bain I , Moshakis V 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
A total of 653 referrals from general practitioners to an acute surgical service were audited prospectively over a period of 4 months. Middle-grade staff accepting these referrals were able to deal with 182 (27·9 per cent) of these calls without surgical admission. A further 189 (28·9 per cent) referrals were seen on a surgical assessment unit and were not admitted to a surgical ward. The resultant cost saving was approximately 10 000. This confirms that the ready provision of an experienced surgical opinion in combination with early assessment can reduce the number of unnecessary acute surgical admissions referred from general practitioners.
Knee-length versus thigh-length graduated compression stockings in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Williams A M , Davies P R , Sweetnam D I S , Harper G , Pusey R , Lightowler C D R 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Graduated compression stockings can reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis by 60 per cent1, by providing a decreasing compression gradient from the ankle towards the thigh. There is both theoretical and clinical evidence that compression of the thigh as well as the calf does not give extra benefit2,3. Although regarded as safe, improperly used stockings are not without risk. Problems are usually due to areas of localized high pressure, especially under ‘rucked up’ constricting bands of stocking. This is particularly so in the presence of ischaemia; manufacturers state that ischaemia is a contraindication to stocking use. Cases of arterial thrombosis have been reported4, as well as more frequent skin necrosis, when stockings have been used in the presence of reduced arterial blood supply5.
Fast-to-slow muscle conversion by chronic electrostimulation: Effects on mitochondrial respiratory chain function with possible implications for the gracilis neosphincter procedure
Authors: Altomare D F , Boffoli D , Scacco S C , Rinaldi M , Vicente-Prieta R , Martinelli E , Memeo V 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
The effects of chronic, around the clock, low-frequency electrostimulation on the respiratory chain activity and cytochrome content of freshly isolated mitochondria were evaluated in rabbit skeletal muscle before and after 30 days of continuous or cyclical electrostimulation using a totally implantable system and a training programme now used in humans. The respiratory activity measured in state III increased strongly after electrostimulation. The efficiency of the respiratory chain increased significantly after electrostimulation but the activity of complex I (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase) did not increase. The amount of cytochromes a and a3, b562, and c and c1 increased clearly after electrostimulation. The respiratory activity rate of mitochondria obtained after continuous electrostimulation was apparently higher than after cyclical electrostimulation. Chronic uninterrupted low-frequency electrostimulation, using a clinical training programme, induces an increase in mitochondrial respiratory chain activity in purified mitochondria of skeletal muscle. These changes are the basis of induced resistance to fatigue in fast-to-slow muscle conversion by chronic electrostimulation.
Pouch-related fistula following restorative proctocolectomy
Authors: Paye F , Penna C , Chiche L , Tiret E , Frileux P , Parc R 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Prognostic factors and outcome of pouch-related fistula were analysed from a series of 21 patients, 20 of whom had an ileal J pouch manually anastomosed to the dentate line following mucosectomy. Fistula occurred more often after pouch formation for ulcerative colitis than for familial adenomatous polyposis. In 6 patients the fistula occurred more than 5 months after closure of the diverting loop ileostomy. The origin of the leak was the anastomosis in 14 patients, the vertical staple line in two and the end of the efferent limb in five. Nine forms of treatment were utilized and these were successful in 11 patients and unsuccessful in ten including three pouch excisions. Adverse prognostic factors were late fistula, the presence of an enterocutaneous or a pouch-vaginal fistula track, and diagnosed or suspected Crohn's disease. Resolution of the fistula followed none of six diverting loop ileostomies performed alone, three of 33 attempted drainage procedures, four of ten direct closures, and four of five repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomoses. It is concluded that an aggressive therapeutic approach using repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis increases the success rate.
Prognostic significance of lymph node metastasis in advanced carcinoma of the stomach
Authors: Kwon S J , Kim G S 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
This study attempted to clarify the prognostic factors in advanced gastric cancer, with special reference to lymph node metastasis. It was a retrospective study of 401 patients with stage III and IV gastric cancer operated on during the 5 years from 1988 to 1993. A significant relationship was found between the 5-year survival rate and (1) the ratio of the number of metastatic lymph nodes to the total number of dissected lymph nodes (ratios of 1–15, 16–30 and 31 per cent or more were associated with a 5-year survival rate of 81, 23 and 17 per cent respectively), (2) stage N1 or N2 of the Union Internacional Contra la Cancrum tumour node metastasis classification (58 and 27 per cent respectively) and (3) the number of metastatic lymph nodes (1–3, 4–7 and 8 or more were associated with a 5-year survival rate of 67, 49 and 32 per cent respectively). Multivariate survival analysis using Cox's proportional hazard model was applied to these three forms of lymph node status. Among these three variables, the ratio of the number of metastatic lymph nodes to the total number of dissected lymph nodes was the most meaningful prognostic factor.
Experimental oesophagogastric anastomosis: Preliminary report of a new compression device that also fragments
Authors: Rebuffat C , Rosati R , Fumagalli U , Varoli F , Roviaro G , Peracchia A 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Fifteen Beagle dogs underwent oesophagogastric anastomosis with a new device which enables a ‘sutureless’ compression anastomosis. The device fragmented and was passed in bits anally without causing obstruction. Immediate bursting pressure, tested in five dogs, was between 175 and 190 mmHg. The anastomoses of the remaining dogs were examined macroscopically and microscopically from day 6 to day 30. Healing was excellent with good muscular apposition and minimal residual inflammation.
Laparoscopic fenestration in polycystic liver disease
Authors: Kabbej M , Sauvanet A , Chauveau D , Farges O , Belghiti J 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Sixteen laparoscopic cyst fenestrations for symptomatic adult polycystic liver disease (APLD) were performed in 13 women, including four patients who had had previous attempts at treatment (percutaneous sclerotherapy in two and fenestration via a laparotomy in two). The median number of cysts deroofed was 32 (range 18–58) during the 13 primary procedures. There was no inhospital death. Postoperative transient ascites occurred in six patients. After operation 11 patients experienced immediate relief of symptoms but during a median follow-up of 26 (range 6–49) months, eight of these patients developed recurrent symptoms. Two patients underwent three repeat laparoscopic fenestrations, at which time perihepatic adhesions were rare and no complication occurred. Because repeat procedures may be performed, laparoscopic fenestration appears to be useful for the treatment of symptomatic APLD. However, it is less effective than fenestration at open surgery or liver resection and should be employed only in patients with predominantly large cysts.
Effect of previous sclerotherapy on the outcome of gastro-oesophageal devascularization and oesophageal transection in bleeding oesophageal varices
Authors: Alam M K , El-Sayed G S M , Abdulmajeed A M , Al-Dohayan A 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
This retrospective analysis studied the effect of sclerotherapy on subsequent oesophageal transection in the management of patients with bleeding oesophageal varices and compared the result with that in those who did not receive sclerotherapy as the primary treatment. Fifty patients were treated by gastro-oesophageal devascularization and oesophageal transection for bleeding oesophageal varices over a 4-year period. Twenty-six patients did not receive sclerotherapy (group 1) and 24 received between one and four sessions of sclerotherapy (group 2) before surgery. Oedema and thickness of the lower end of the oesophagus and some adhesions were noted during surgery in patients who had had previous sclerotherapy; however, stapled oesophageal transection and anastomosis could be performed in all these patients. There was no oesophageal leak in any patient, although there was a higher rate of chest complications (nine versus six patients) in group 2. Six patients (12 per cent) died (three in each group) during the postoperative period; three had Child grade C disease. It is concluded that the decision to operate to control bleeding varices should be made early. One or two sessions of sclerotherapy before surgery does not increase intraoperative difficulty or the postoperative leak rate following oesophageal transection. The outcome of surgery is directly related to the state of liver reserve (Child grade).
Intrahepatic segment III cholangiojejunostomy in advanced carcinoma of the gallbladder
Authors: Kapoor V K , Pradeep R , Haribhakti S P , Singh V , Sikora S S , Saxena R , Kaushik S P 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
The majority of patients with advanced carcinoma of the gallbladder have irresectable disease and require palliation for jaundice, pruritus and cholangitis. Intrahepatic segment III cholangiojejunostomy has been described for palliation of high biliary obstruction in these patients. Forty-one patients with stage IV gallbladder cancer underwent intrahepatic segment III cholangiojejunostomy. Subsequent jaundice, pruritus and cholangitis were documented; liver function tests and isotope hepatobiliary scans were performed. All patients had jaundice, 29 had pruritus and 12 had cholangitis. Postoperative complications included anastomotic leak in six patients and wound infection in six. Five patients died within 30 days of operation. Thirty-two patients were available for follow-up. The procedure failed to relieve jaundice, pruritus or cholangitis in four patients; 18 were free of jaundice, pruritus and cholangitis until death or last follow-up, and ten had recurrent jaundice or cholangitis. Isotope scanning was found to be useful to predict success of the procedure. Intrahepatic segment III cholangiojejunostomy provided excellent palliation from jaundice, pruritus and cholangitis with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates in patients with advanced carcinoma of the gallbladder.
Outcome of treatment for distal bile duct cancer
Authors: Fong Y , Blumgart L H , Lin E , Fortner J G , Brennan M F 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
All patients with distal bile duct tumours over a 10-year period (October 1983 to December 1993) were identified by means of a prospective database. The medical records of 104 patients were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analysis for predictors of outcome was performed. Median age of the patients was 65 (range 30–89) years. Patients presented with a clinical picture indistinguishable from that of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Twenty patients had no surgical treatment and 23 had a diagnostic laparotomy only. Biliary bypass was performed in 16 patients and radical resection was performed in 45 (pancreaticoduodenectomy, 39; bile duct excision, six). Operative mortality occurred in two of 45 patients having radical resection and complications in 17. Resection provided significant survival benefit. By univariate and multivariate analysis, resectability and negative node status (P &lt; 0-001) were the only predictors of favourable outcome. Sex, age, preoperative stenting, grade of tumour and bilirubin level did not predict outcome. The 5-year survival rate for radically resected, node-negative tumours was 54 per cent. Surgical resection is effective therapy for distal bile duct tumours. These patients have a better outlook than those having resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Pitfalls in the management of preauricular sinuses
Authors: Currie A R , King W W K , Vlantis A C , Li A K C 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
A total of 159 operations for the excision of a preauricular sinus carried out in 117 patients over an 8-year period were reviewed. Previous excision, the use of a probe to delineate the sinus and operating under local anaesthesia all increased the chance of recurrence. The condition recurred more often in patients who developed postoperative wound sepsis than in those who healed primarily. Means of decreasing the recurrence rate include: (1) meticulous dissection of the sinus by an experienced head and neck surgeon under general anaesthesia; (2) the use of an extended preauricular incision; (3) clearance down to the temporalis fascia to ensure complete removal of all epithelial components; (4) avoidance of sinus rupture; and (5) closure of wound dead space.
Parallel self-expanding covered metal stents in the trachea and oesophagus for the palliation of complex high tracheooesophageal fistula
Authors: Ellul J P M , Morgan R , Gold D , Dussek J , Mason R C , Adam A 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Palliation of oesophageal carcinoma consists mainly of the treatment of dysphagia. However, 5 per cent of patients with oesophageal cancer also develop a fistula between the oesophagus and trachea. The symptoms of aspiration are devastating and are difficult to treat with low morbidity. Untreated, most patients die from a combination of respiratory infection and starvation1. Recently, covered expanding metal stents have been shown to be an excellent treatment for oesophageal fistula and perforation2,3 and seem to be more effective than conservative treatment, plastic tubes or surgical bypass treatment methods. However, patients who present with a high tracheo-oesophageal complex fistula adjacent to the cricopharyngeal sphincter are particularly difficult to treat. A method is described that enables control of high tracheo-oesophageal fistulas.