bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breast cancer in the male: A report of 138 cases
Authors: Ramantanis G. , Besbeas S. , Garas J. G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis is a report of 138 male patients with cancer of the breast who were treated at the Hellenic Anticancer Institute from 1937 to 1974. The overall 5‐year survival rate for 120 patients followed up was 32.5%. Analysis of the 5‐year survival rate in relation to the mode of treatment showed that for radical mastectomy it was 42.9%, for simple mastectomy 40.7%, and for lumpectomy 35%. There were no 5‐year survivors among patients treated with a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal manipulation. The 5‐year survival rate for stage I cancer was 54.6%, for stage II the rate was 48.7%, and for stage III it was 18.5%. There were no 5‐year survivors with stage IV cancer. The 5‐year survival rate for patients who underwent radical mastectomy with positive axillary lymph nodes was 30.8%, while for those in whom the axillary lymph nodes were negative it was 56.5%. The overall 10‐year survival rate was 14.8%.
Long‐term results of subtotal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer
Authors: Dinbar A. , Avigad I. , Shafir R. , Tulcinsky D. B. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractLong‐term clinical and metabolic results of subtotal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer in 133 patients are reported. The operative procedure consisted of a 4/5 gastric resection with a retrocolic no‐loop Hoffmeister anastomosis. After detailed clinical and metabolic assessment, 84% of the patients were graded Visick grades I and II. Postgastrectomy symptoms were few, only mild or moderate in intensity, and were not disabling in any of the cases. No diarrhea or vomiting was noted. Weight loss was observed in 16% of the patients, 14% losing less than 5 kg. Diarrhea or malabsorption was not encountered in the entire series. The incidence of anemia was 5.5%. None of the hemoglobin levels were below 10.5 g/dl. All cases of anemia were microcytic, hypochromic, iron deficient. There were no hematological or clinical signs suggestive of macrocytic anemia in the entire series. Plasma protein, calcium, and phosphorus levels were within normal limits. All patients were free of clinical complaints and history suggestive of bone disease. It is believed that the low morbidity and the few and mild metabolic sequelae are due to the type of anastomosis used.
Mesocaval interposition shunt for portal hypertension: Results in 31 patients
Authors: Fourtanier Gilles , Lacroix André , Martinel Christian , Escat Jean 
Published: May 2006

AbstractMesocaval interposition shunt (MCS) with a dacron graft was performed for bleeding esophageal varices in 31 cirrhotic patients. Operative mortality rate was 29% overall, 40% for emergency MCS performed in 20 patients, and 9% for elective MCS performed in 11 patients. Bleeding was controlled in 75% of patients who underwent emergency MCS. Shunt patency rate was 90%. Long‐term follow‐up for an average of 26±13 months was possible in 21 patients. None of the survivors developed recurrent bleeding. Encephalopathy requiring hospitalization occurred in 28.5% of survivors.
Impact of Autonomic Nerve Preservation and Lateral Node Dissection on Male Urogenital Function after Total Mesorectal Excision for Lower Rectal Cancer
Authors: Kyo Kennoki , Sameshima Shinichi , Takahashi Minoru , Furugori Taiki , Sawada Toshio 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIntroductionUrogenital dysfunction is a well recognized complication of rectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of autonomic nerve preservation (ANP) and lateral node dissection (LND) on male urogenital function after total mesorectal excision for lower rectal cancer.MethodsWe studied, using a questionnaire, preoperative and current urogenital function in 47 male patients who underwent total mesorectal excision with the ANP technique for lower rectal cancer. Patients with and without LND were analyzed separately.ResultsA total of 37 patients (78.7%) (22 patients without LND, 15 with LND) returned the questionnaire. Among the 15 patients with LND, 2 underwent unilateral ANP. One patient without LND had urinary dysfunction preoperatively, and among the other 21 patients only 2 (9.5%) reported minor urinary complications postoperatively. After LND, 5 patients (33%) reported minor complications; there were no severe complications. Among patients who were sexually active prior to the operation, 90% and 70% of patients without LND and 50% and 10% of those with LND maintained sexual activity and ejaculation, respectively. However, 50% of patients who underwent low anterior resection or Hartmann resection without LND and all patients with abdominoperineal resection or LND reported reduced overall sexual satisfaction.ConclusionsThe ANP technique offers the great advantage of maintaining urogenital function after rectal cancer surgery. After LND, although the ANP technique minimized urinary dysfunction, sexual function, particularly ejaculation, was often damaged. Careful follow‐up is important even after ANP to improve postoperative sexual satisfaction.
Dorfin prevents cell death by reducing mitochondrial localizing mutant superoxide dismutase 1 in a neuronal cell model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Takeuchi Hideyuki , Niwa Jun‐ichi , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ishigaki Shinsuke , Tanaka Fumiaki , Doyu Manabu , Sobue Gen 
Published: May 2006

AbstractDorfin is a RING‐finger type ubiquitin ligase for mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) that enhances its degradation. Mutant SOD1s cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) through the gain of unelucidated toxic properties. We previously showed that the accumulation of mutant SOD1 in the mitochondria triggered the release of cytochrome c, followed by the activation of the caspase cascade and induction of neuronal cell death. In the present study, therefore, we investigated whether Dorfin can modulate the level of mutant SOD1 in the mitochondria and subsequent caspase activation. We showed that Dorfin significantly reduced the amount of mutant SOD1 in the mitochondria, the release of cytochrome c and the activation of the following caspase cascade, thereby preventing eventual neuronal cell death in a neuronal cell model of FALS. These results suggest that reducing the accumulation of mutant SOD1 in the mitochondria may be a new therapeutic strategy for mutant SOD1‐associated FALS, and that Dorfin may play a significant role in this.
Co‐expressed presenilin 1 NTF and CTF form functional γ‐secretase complexes in cells devoid of full‐length protein
Authors: Laudon Hanna , Mathews Paul M. , Karlström Helena , Bergman Anna , Farmery Mark R. , Nixon Ralph A. , Winblad Bengt , Gandy Samuel E. , Lendahl Urban , Lundkvist Johan , Näslund Jan 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe enzyme γ‐secretase catalyzes the intramembrane proteolytic cleavage that generates the amyloid β‐peptide from the β‐amyloid precursor protein. The presenilin (PS) protein is one of the four integral membrane protein components of the mature γ‐secretase complex. The PS protein is itself subjected to endoproteolytic processing, generating stable N‐ and C‐terminal fragment (NTF and CTF, respectively) heterodimers. Here we demonstrate that coexpression of PS1 NTF and CTF functionally mimics expression of the full‐length PS1 protein and restores γ‐secretase activity in PS‐deficient mammalian cells. The coexpressed fragments re‐associate with each other inside the cell, where they also interact with nicastrin, another γ‐secretase complex component. Analysis of γ‐secretase activity following the expression of mutant forms of NTF and CTF, under conditions bypassing endoproteolysis, indicated that the putatively catalytic Asp257 and Asp385 residues have a direct effect on γ‐secretase activity. Moreover, we demonstrate that expression of the wild‐type CTF rescues endoproteolytic cleavage of C‐terminally truncated PS1 molecules that are otherwise uncleaved and inactive. Recovery of cleavage is critically dependent on the integrity of Asp385. Taken together, our findings indicate that ectopically expressed NTF and CTF restore functional γ‐secretase complexes and that the presence of full‐length PS1 is not a requirement for proper complex assembly.
Persistence of drug use during imprisonment: relationship of drug type, recency of use and severity of dependence to use of heroin, cocaine and amphetamine in prison
Authors: Strang John , Gossop Michael , Heuston Joan , Green John , Whiteley Christopher , Maden Anthony 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTAim  To investigate the persistence of use of heroin, cocaine and amphetamine drugs during imprisonment, and to identify factors associated with increased levels of persistence.Design  The use of heroin, cocaine and amphetamine by current prison inmates has been examined and, in particular, the relationship between drug use within prison and the type of drug used prior to imprisonment, recency of use and severity of dependence. Setting and participants A randomly selected sample of 1009 adult male prisoners in 13 prisons in England and Wales during 1994/95; structured confidential interviews conducted by independent research staff. Enquiry about prior use of heroin, cocaine or amphetamine focused on three time‐periods (ever, last year and last month pre‐prison) and the use of these drugs during the first month of imprisonment.Findings  A total of 557 (55%) of the 1009 prisoners had used previously one of the three drugs selected for study: 58% had used heroin, 69% cocaine and 75% amphetamine. More than half (59%; 327/557) had used these drugs in the month before the current imprisonment. Drug use in prisons was most likely to occur among those who had used in the month prior to imprisonment. The persistence of heroin use in prison occurred more frequently (70%) than use of cocaine (20%) or amphetamine (15%). Of those using heroin pre‐imprisonment, 67% considered they were dependent, compared to 15% and 22%, respectively, for cocaine and amphetamine users.Conclusions  Changes in the drug‐taking behaviour of drug users after imprisonment vary according to the type of drug being taken. Prisoners were much more likely to continue to use heroin than either cocaine or amphetamines while in prison. Heroin was most likely to be used by those who had been using heroin during the immediate pre‐imprisonment period, and particularly by the two‐thirds of heroin users who considered themselves dependent. In view of the high prevalence of prior use of these drugs by individuals currently imprisoned, continuing attention is required to study of their behaviour and of the impact of interventions that may be introduced during or following their incarceration.
Addition of cue exposure to cognitive‐behaviour therapy for alcohol misuse: a randomized trial with dysphoric drinkers
Authors: Kavanagh David J. , Sitharthan Gomathi , Young Ross M. , Sitharthan Thiagarajan , Saunders John B. , Shockley Natalie , Giannopoulos Vicki 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTAim  To test whether addition of moderation‐orientated cue exposure (CE) or CE after dysphoric mood induction (emotional CE, ECE) improved outcomes above those from cognitive‐behaviour therapy alone (CBT) in people who drank when dysphoric.Design  Multi‐site randomized controlled trial comparing CBT with CBT + CE and CBT + ECE.Setting  Out‐patient rooms in academic treatment units in Brisbane and Sydney, Australia.Participants  People with alcohol misuse and problems controlling consumption when dysphoric (n = 163). Those with current major depressive episode were excluded.Intervention  Eight weekly 75‐minute sessions of individual treatment for alcohol problems were given to all participants, with CBT elements held constant across conditions. From session 2, CBT + CE participants resisted drinking while exposed to alcohol cues, with two priming doses of their preferred beverage being given in some sessions. After an initial CE session, CBT + ECE participants recalled negative experiences before undertaking CE, to provide exposure to emotional cues of personal relevance.Measurements  Alcohol consumption, related problems, alcohol expectancies, self‐efficacy and depression.Results  Average improvements were highly significant across conditions, with acceptable maintenance of effects over 12 months. Both treatment retention and effects on alcohol consumption were progressively weaker in CBT + CE and CBT + ECE than in CBT alone. Changes in alcohol dependence and depression did not differ across conditions.Conclusions  These data do not indicate that addition of clinic‐based CE to standard CBT improves outcomes. A different approach to the management of craving may be required.
Comparison of reactivity and epitope recognition between sera from American and Italian patients with oral pemphigoid
Authors: Mignogna M , Lanza A , Rossiello L , Ruocco V , Ahmed A R 
Published: May 2006

Summary
Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) (also known as cicatricial pemphigoid) is a rare autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease that affects mucous membranes derived from stratified squamous epithelium and the skin. A subset of MMP affects only the oral cavity and is referred to as the oral pemphigoid (OP). MMP and OP are characterized by subepithelial vesicles on histology and in vivo deposition of immunoglobulins and complement at the basement membrane zone (BMZ) on immunopathology. Previous studies have shown that sera of patients with MMP bind to human integrin β4, while sera of patients with oral pemphigoid bind to the integrin α6 component of the heterodimer. The prognosis in MMP is grave but excellent in OP. In this study we compare the binding of sera from patients with OP from Boston, MA, USA to Naples, Italy, and attempt to identify an epitope to which the anti-integrin α6 human autoantibody binds. Our results indicate that the sera from Boston and Naples are identical in their reactivity. They recognize a fragment I (AA 23–462) and its subfragment IB (AA 217–462) only, in the human integrin α6 molecule. Blocking studies, immunoprecipitation and immunoabsorbtion studies confirm the presence of this single 245 AA region. Antibodies to subfragment IB cause BMZ separation in organ culture using normal human oral mucosa as substrate. This preliminary study indicates that patients on both continents may have similar reactivity and suggests that an intercontinental study group could be established to advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of OP and the biology of anti-α6 integrin autoantibodies.
The role of corticosterone in human hypothalamic– pituitary–adrenal axis feedback
Authors: Raubenheimer Peter J. , Young Elizabeth A. , Andrew Ruth , Seckl Jonathan R. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryObjective  In humans, the glucocorticoid corticosterone circulates in blood at 10–20‐fold lower levels than cortisol, but is found in higher relative amounts in postmortem brain samples. Access of cortisol and corticosterone to the central nervous system may not be equal. Additionally, the relative affinities for the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors differ, such that corticosterone may play a significant role in human brain function.Design  We measured cortisol and corticosterone levels in paired plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. To test the relative potency of cortisol vs. corticosterone on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) feedback, subjects underwent a three‐phase, single‐blind, randomized study assessing the postmetyrapone ACTH response over 3 h to an intravenous bolus of vehicle, cortisol or corticosterone (0·15 mg/kg and 0·04 mg/kg).Participants  Outpatients undergoing diagnostic lumbar puncture who were subsequently deemed to be free of disease. Feedback was tested in healthy male volunteers.Measurements  Plasma and CSF corticosterone to cortisol ratio was calculated and the ACTH response over time after the bolus glucocorticoid measured.Results  Plasma corticosterone : cortisol was 0·069 ± 0·007; CSF corticosterone : cortisol was 0·387 ± 0·050 (P < 0·001). Cortisol and corticosterone (0·15 mg/kg) suppressed ACTH vs. vehicle (P = 0·002); there was no difference between corticosterone and cortisol. The 0·04 mg/kg dose had no effect on ACTH despite supraphysiological plasma corticosterone levels.Conclusions  Corticosterone contributes almost 40% of total active glucocorticoids (cortisol and corticosterone) in the CSF. Significant effects on HPA axis suppression were only seen with supraphysiological levels of corticosterone, suggesting that corticosterone is not important in this model of nonstress‐induced ACTH hypersecretion, in which the effect of cortisol predominates.
Growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 responses to oral glucose in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Díez Juan J. , Grande Cristina , Méndez Javier , González‐Gancedo Pilar , Iglesias Pedro 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackground  GH and IGFBP‐1 both play a role in glucose homeostasis.Objective  To assess the GH and IGFBP‐1 responses to an oral glucose load and their relationship with glucose homeostasis in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.Design  A cross‐sectional study with a control group followed by a longitudinal study after parathyroidectomy.Patients and Methods  We studied 15 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (eight women, aged 59·6 ± 2·2 years) and nine healthy normocalcaemic controls. All subjects were ambulatory and were studied as outpatients. Glucose, insulin, GH and IGFBP‐1 were measured during an oral glucose (75 g) tolerance test (OGTT).Results  Patients with hyperparathyroidism showed similar glucose responses to OGTT to those found in controls. Insulin responses were higher in patients (peak insulin 96·33 ± 9·71 mU/l) in relation to values found in controls (58·11 ± 9·03 mU/l; P < 0·01). Suppression of GH levels after OGTT was more marked in patients [nadir 0·03 (0·02–0·05) µg/l] than in normocalcaemic subjects [nadir GH 0·12 (0·08–0·42) µg/l; P = 0·002]. However, baseline IGFBP‐1 concentration and its decrease after glucose load were similar in patients and controls. Normalization of calcium levels after parathyroidectomy was not followed by any significant changes in glucose, insulin and GH responses to OGTT. The minimum concentration of IGFBP‐1 and the area under the curve (AUC) of IGFBP‐1 after OGTT were higher after parathyroidectomy (3·34 ± 0·69 µg/l and 8·94 ± 1·72 µg.h/l, respectively) than at diagnosis (2·19 ± 0·42 µg/l and 6·74 ± 1·28 µg.h/l, respectively; P < 0·05). No correlation was found between PTH, calcium and phosphorus concentrations and GH and IGFBP‐1 values in patients before or after normalization of calcium metabolism.Conclusion  GH and IGFBP‐1 do not seem to be directly involved in the hyperparathyroidism‐associated changes in carbohydrate metabolism. The postoperative changes in the depression of IGFBP‐1 after OGTT remain to be elucidated.
The fate of effector CD8 T cells in vivo is controlled by the duration of antigen stimulation
Authors: Huang Xiaopei , Yang Yiping 
Published: May 2006

SummaryWhat controls the fate of the T‐cell response remains incompletely defined. Gain of effector function facilitated by costimulation has been thought to be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the T‐cell response, i.e. long‐term memory in the presence of costimulation versus tolerance induction in the absence of costimulation. In this study, we show that while costimulation or cognate CD4 helps to promote the acquisition of effector function during the initial phase of the CD8 T‐cell response, the fate of effector CD8 T cells is controlled by the duration of subsequent antigenic stimulation. Effector CD8 T cells differentiate into memory cells only after clearance of antigen, whereas in the presence of persistent antigen, effector CD8 T cells are tolerized. Furthermore, protective immunity against tumour cannot develop in the persisting antigen environment. These results suggest that removal of persisting antigen by other means might be a prerequisite for effective immunotherapy in cancer.
The Tribolium chitin synthase genes TcCHS1 and TcCHS2 are specialized for synthesis of epidermal cuticle and midgut peritrophic matrix
Authors: Arakane Y. , Muthukrishnan S. , Kramer K. J. , Specht C. A. , Tomoyasu Y. , Lorenzen M. D. , Kanost M. , Beeman R. W. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractFunctional analysis of the two chitin synthase genes, TcCHS1 and TcCHS2, in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, revealed unique and complementary roles for each gene. TcCHS1‐specific RNA interference (RNAi) disrupted all three types of moult (larval–larval, larval–pupal and pupal–adult) and greatly reduced whole‐body chitin content. Exon‐specific RNAi showed that splice variant 8a of TcCHS1 was required for both the larval‐pupal and pupal‐adult moults, whereas splice variant 8b was required only for the latter. TcCHS2‐specific RNAi had no effect on metamorphosis or on total body chitin content. However, RNAi‐mediated down‐regulation of TcCHS2, but not TcCHS1, led to cessation of feeding, a dramatic shrinkage in larval size and reduced chitin content in the midgut.
Antioxidant gene expression in the blood‐feeding fly Glossina morsitans morsitans
Authors: Munks R. J. L. , Sant’Anna M. R. V. , Grail W. , Gibson W. , Igglesden T. , Yoshiyama M. , Lehane S. M. , Lehane M. J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe report the characterization of 11 antioxidant genes from the tsetse fly Glossina m. morsitans. Through similarity searches which detected homology we suggest that these genes consist of two superoxide dismutases (one with a putative signal peptide), three thioredoxin peroxidases (one with a putative signal peptide), three peroxiredoxins, one further signal peptide‐containing peroxidase with its closest similarity to a glutathione peroxidase, one catalase and one thioredoxin reductase. We describe the changes occurring in the expression levels of these genes during fly development, in different adult tissues, in the adult midgut through the digestive cycle and following trypanosome infection. Overall, nine of the 11 genes studied showed responses to changes in physiological circumstance, with the peroxiredoxin group showing the smallest variations throughout.
Intussusception: Trends in clinical presentation and management
Authors: JUSTICE FRANCES A , AULDIST ALEX W , BINES JULIE E 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground:  The association of a rotavirus vaccine and intussusception has renewed interest in understanding the incidence, clinical presentation and outcome of intussusception.Methods:  A retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with intussusception at Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne over a 6.5‐year period (1 January 1995–30 June 2001) was conducted using patients identified by a medical record database (ICD‐9‐CM code 560.0 1993–1997; ICD‐10‐CM code 56.1 1998–2001). Patient profile, clinical presentation, diagnosis methods, treatment and outcome were analyzed and compared to data previously reported on children with intussusception at the same hospital during 1962–1968.Results:  The hospitalization rate for primary idiopathic intussusception increased marginally from 0.19 to 0.27 per 1000 live births during the period 1962–1968 to 1995–2001. Most patients (80%) were <12 months of age (median age 7 months, range 2–72 months). The combination of abdominal pain, lethargy and vomiting was reported in 78% of infants. Air enema confirmed the diagnosis of intussusception in 186 of 191 cases (97%) and air reduction was successful in most cases (82%). Factors associated with increased risk of intestinal resection included abdominal distension (32%), bowel obstruction on abdominal X‐ray (27%) and hypovolemic shock (40%). No mortality was observed in the present study.Conclusions:  Over the past 40 years at Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne the hospitalization rate due to primary idiopathic intussusception has marginally increased from 0.19 to 0.27 per 1000 live births. Diagnosis and treatment using air enema has been highly successful, resulting in a reduction in patients requiring surgery and reduced hospital stays.