bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ginsenoside Rh1 Possesses Antiallergic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Park Eun-Kyung , Choo Min-Kyung , Han Myung Joo , Kim Dong-Hyun 
Published: January 2004

<i>Background:</i> Ginseng (the root of <i>Panax ginseng</i> C.A. Meyer, Araliaceae) has been reported to possess various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antitumor actions. In this study, we investigated the antiallergic activity of ginsenosides isolated from ginseng. <i>Method:</i> We isolated ginsenosides by silica gel column chromatograghy and examined their in vitro and in vivo antiallergic effect on rat peritoneal mast cells and on IgE-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice. The in vitro<i></i>anti-inflammatory activity of ginsenoside Rh1 (Rh1) in RAW264.7 cells was investigated. <i>Results:</i> Rh1 potently inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells and the IgE-mediated PCA reaction in mice. The inhibitory activity of Rh1 (87% inhibition at 25 mg/kg) on the PCA reaction was found to be more potent than that of disodium cromoglycate (31% inhibition at 25 mg/kg); Rh1 was also found to have a membrane-stabilizing action as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry. It also inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression in RAW 264.7 cells, and the activation of the transcription factor, NF-ĸB, in nuclear fractions. <i>Conclusion:</i> The antiallergic action of Rh1 may originate from its cell membrane-stabilizing and anti-inflammatory activities, and can improve the inflammation caused by allergies.
Five-Year Follow-Up of a 13-Year-Old Boy with a Pituitary Adenoma Causing Gigantism – Effect of Octreotide Therapy
Authors: Schoof Ellen , Dörr Helmuth G. , Kiess Wieland , Lüdecke Dieter K. , Freitag Eduard , Zindel Volker , Rascher Wolfgang , Dötsch Jörg 
Published: January 2004

<i>Background/Aim:</i> In children, there is little experience with octreotide therapy for pituitary tumors, especially growth hormone (GH) producing adenomas. We report on a 13-year-old boy with gigantism due to a GH-producing pituitary adenoma caused by a Gsα mutation on the basis of McCune-Albright syndrome. <i>Methods:</i> At the age of 6.5 years a GH- and prolactin-producing pituitary adenoma was diagnosed. The adenoma was surgically removed. Immediately thereafter, the small adenoma residuum was treated with octreotide (2 × 100 µg/day s.c.). <i>Results:</i> During therapy with octreotide, the growth rate dropped to normal values; however, rose again after 2 years of treatment. The insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels remained above the 95th percentile, the GH level mostly >2 µg/l. After 5 years of octreotide therapy, GH (6.9 µg/l), IGF-I (620 µg/l), IGF-binding protein 3 (5.4 mg/l), and prolactin (17.0 ng/ml) levels were still elevated. The growth velocity was +2.4 SDS (standard deviation score), the pubertal status was mature, and the bone age was 14.3 years (prospective final height 208 cm). A magnetic resonance imaging scan showed an unchanged residual 4-mm rim of adenoma at the pituitary site. Side effects from octreotide therapy were not reported by the patient or his family. The therapy was changed to the long-acting release octreotide analog octreotide-LAR. After 1 year of treatment with octreotide-LAR, the GH level was 1.0 µg/l, and the prospective final height dropped by 10 cm. <i>Conclusions:</i> This case demonstrates that combined surgical and medical treatment can influence the prognosis of childhood gigantism; however, the prognosis of this rare condition remains uncertain.
Effects of Diazeniumdiolates (NONOates) and Methylene Blue on the Reduction of Postoperative Adhesion in Rats
Authors: Cetin Meral , Duran Bulent , Demirkoprulu Nihal , Guvenal Tevfik , Erden Omur , Cetin Ali 
Published: January 2004

We investigated the effects of spermine NONOate (SPER/NO), diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA/NO) and methylene blue for preventing postoperative adhesion in a rat uterine horn model. Before operations, rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups, each composed of 12 rats. These were the sham, control, normal saline, SPER/NO, DETA/NO and methylene blue groups. Each rat was anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride (40 mg/kg i.v.). The abdominal wall was shaved; the surgical site was scrubbed with povidone iodine and rinsed with sterile saline 3 times before surgery. Under sterile conditions, a 3-cm vertical midline incision was made in all groups. In the sham group, we closed the abdominal wall without any procedure. In the other groups, a 2-cm segment of each uterine horn was injured in 10 spots on the antimesenteric surface using unipolar cautery. Before the final abdominal closure, no adjuvant therapy was administered intraperitoneally to the rats in the control group; 2 ml of normal saline solution, 1% methylene blue solution, SPER/NO (0.5 mg/ml) and DETA/NO (0.1 mg/ml) were instilled into the uterine horns of the rats in the respective groups. The incision was closed with a running 4-0 monofilament delayed absorbable suture in a single layer of muscle and fascia in a running pattern, excluding the peritoneum, and in the covering layer of skin in an interrupted pattern, in all groups. Two weeks after the surgery, all animals were killed, second laparotomies were performed, and the extent and severity of adhesions were determined by a blinded examiner. The adhesion scores of the sham group were significantly lower than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). In the methylene blue, SPER/NO and DETA/NO groups, adhesion scores were significantly lower than in the normal saline and control groups (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences related to the extent and severity scores of adhesions between the methylene blue, SPER/NO and DETA/NO groups (p > 0.05). This study showed that SPER/NO, DETA/NO and methylene blue administered at the end of surgery reduced the adhesion formation in a rat uterine horn model.
Severity of depressive episodes according to ICD-10: prediction of risk of relapse and suicide
Authors: Kessing Lars Vedel 
Published: January 2004

BackgroundThe ICD–10 categorisation of severity of depression into mild, moderate and severe depressive episodes has not been validated.AimsTo validate the ICD–10 categorisation of severity of depression by estimating its predictive ability on the course of illness and suicidal outcome.MethodAll psychiatric in-patients in Denmark who had received a diagnosis of a single depressive episode at their first discharge between 1994 and 1999 were identified. The risk of relapse and the risk of suicide were compared for patients discharged with an ICD–10 diagnosis of a single mild, moderate or severe depressive episode.ResultsAt their first discharge, 1103 patients had an ICD–10 diagnosis of mild depressive episode, 3182 had a diagnosis of moderate depressive episode and 2914 had a diagnosis of severe depressive episode. The risk of relapse and the risk of suicide were significantly different for the three types of depression – increasing from mild to moderate to severe depressive episode.ConclusionsThe ICD–10 way of grading severity is clinically useful and should be preserved in future versions.
Postnatal depression across countries and cultures: a qualitative study
Authors: Oates Margaret R. , Cox John L. , Neema Stella , Asten Paul , Glangeaud-Freudenthal Nine , Figueiredo Barbara , Gorman Laura L. , Hacking Sue , Hirst Emma , Kammerer Martin H. , Klier Claudia M. , Seneviratne Gertrude , Smith Mary , Sutter-Dallay Anne-Laure , Valoriani Vania , Wickberg Birgitta , Yoshida Keiko ,   TCS–PND Group
Published: January 2004

BackgroundPostnatal depression seems to be a universal condition with similar rates in different countries. However, anthropologists question the cross-cultural equivalence of depression, particularly at a life stage so influenced by cultural factors.AimsTo develop a qualitative method to explore whether postnatal depression is universally recognised, attributed and described and to enquire into people's perceptions of remedies and services for morbid states of unhappiness within the context of local services.MethodThe study took place in 15 centres in 11 countries and drew on three groups of informants: focus groups with new mothers, interview swith fathers and grandmothers, and interviews with health professionals. Textual analysis of these three groups was conducted separately in each centre and emergent themes compared across centres.ResultsAll centres described morbid unhappiness after childbirth comparable to postnatal depression but not all saw this as an illness remediable by health interventions.ConclusionsAlthough the findings of this study support the universality of a morbid state of unhappiness following childbirth, they also support concerns about the cross-cultural equivalence of postnatal depression as an illness requiring the intervention of health professionals; this has implications for future research.
Medical records: Doctors' and patients' experiences of copying letters to patients
Authors: Nandhra Harpal , Murray Graham , Hymas Nigel , Hunt Neil 
Published: January 2004

Aims and MethodWe conducted a pilot study to determine patients' views on receiving a copy of the assessment letter sent to their general practitioner and to determine how psychiatrists' letter writing practice would be altered in the knowledge that patients would receive copies of such letters. Seventy-six consecutive new outpatients received copies of the initial assessment letter sent to general practitioners. Patients were asked to complete a short questionnaire on how the practice affected them. For each letter, psychiatrists were asked to provide details of anything of importance that had been omitted from the letter that in their normal practice they would have included.ResultsThere was a broad range of responses on how patients felt about the letters. Only two patients found the letters unhelpful, and 83% expressed a positive desire to continue receiving letters, even though initially 18% found the letter distressing. For 56 out of 76 patients, psychiatrists stated that they composed and sent out the letter to the GP in accordance with their usual practice and copied the letter to the patient in an unaltered form. For 17 patients, the psychiatrist stated that some information he/she would usually have included in the GP letter was omitted in the copy the patient received. In a further 3 cases, the psychiatrist sent no letter to the patient.Clinical ImplicationsPatients found it helpful to receive copies of their assessment letters. Psychiatrists might require training and reassurance about this policy before implementation.
Children of adults with severe mental illness: mental health, help seeking and service use
Authors: Cowling Vicki , Luk Ernest S. L. , Mileshkin Cristea , Birleson Peter 
Published: January 2004

Aims and MethodWe aimed to determine the prevalence of childhood mental health problems in children of parents registered with an Australian area mental health service, and to study the parents' help-seeking and service use for their children. Parents were recruited through their case managers, and asked to complete the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Service Utilisation Questionnaire and the Help-seeking Questionnaire.ResultsA quarter of the children were in the clinical range of the SDQ total scores, with high sub-scale scores. However, 63% of the parents reported reluctance to seek help, and 19% reported not using services.Clinical ImplicationsChildren of parents with mental illness are at higher risk of childhood psychiatric disorders. Assessment of the child at the time of referral of the parent is an opportunity for problem identification, parental education, and early intervention.
Treatment preferences of opiate-dependent patients
Authors: Luty Jason 
Published: January 2004

Aims and MethodTo assess the preferences of people attending a substance misuse facility towards the treatment options available for opiate dependency. Interviews were conducted using a card sorting technique.ResultsThe majority (60%) of the 101 participants believed that detoxification was superior to maintenance in preventing illicit heroin use. The preferred treatment options were oral methadone, buprenorphine, drug-free rehabilitation, in-patient detoxification and prescription of injectable drugs.Clinical ImplicationsBoth pharmacological and psychosocial options, including in-patient detoxification and rehabilitation, are among the treatments preferred by clients of substance misuse services. There is also a significant demand for both injectable drugs and dihydrocodeine.
Effect of a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention on Reducing Symptom Severity During Chemotherapy
Authors: Given Charles , Given Barbara , Rahbar Mohammad , Jeon Sangchoon , McCorkle Ruth , Cimprich Bernadine , Galecki Andrzej , Kozachik Sharon , Brady Albert , Fisher-Malloy Mary Jo , Courtney Kathy , Bowie Elizabeth 
Published: January 2004

Purpose To describe a randomized trial of a cognitive behavioral intervention on reducing symptom severity among patients diagnosed with solid tumors and undergoing a first course of chemotherapy and to determine whether the intervention had an additive or interactive effect on symptom severity in the presence of supportive care medications. Patients and Methods Patients (N = 237) were accrued from comprehensive and community cancer centers, interviewed, and randomly assigned to either the experimental intervention (n = 118) or conventional care (n = 119). A symptom severity index, based on summed severity scores across 15 symptoms, was the primary outcome. Each patient’s site of cancer, stage at diagnosis, chemotherapy protocols, and use of supportive medications were learned from medical records. Results Groups were equivalent at baseline, and attrition by characteristics by group was not different. The proportion of patients not receiving chemotherapy at 10 and 20 weeks did not differ by group. At the 10- and 20-week observations, there was a significant interaction between the experimental group and baseline symptom severity. Patients in the experimental group who entered the trial with higher symptom severity reported significantly lower severity at 10 and 20 weeks. Controlling for chemotherapy treatment status at follow-up and supportive care medications did not alter the effect of the experimental intervention. Conclusion Compared with conventional care alone, the experimental intervention was effective among patients who entered the trial with higher levels of symptom severity. Age, sex, site or stage of cancer, and supportive medications did not modify the effect of this cognitive behavioral intervention on symptom severity.
Antioxidants and Cancer Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ladas Elena J. , Jacobson Judith S. , Kennedy Deborah D. , Teel Katherine , Fleischauer Aaron , Kelly Kara M. 
Published: January 2004

Purpose Many patients with cancer take antioxidant nutritional supplements during cancer treatment to alleviate treatment toxicities and to improve long-term outcomes, but little is known about the efficacy and safety of antioxidant use during cancer treatment. We reviewed English-language manuscripts published in the biomedical literature, reporting the results of observational studies of antioxidant status and cancer outcomes and of intervention trials of antioxidants among patients receiving chemotherapy with or without radiation for various malignancies. Methods We searched the Medline database and the bibliographies of the retrieved manuscripts, reviews, and books on antioxidants and cancer. The retrieved studies are grouped by study design, malignancy, and end points. Results More than 100 citations were retrieved; 52 met our criteria, 31 were observational studies, and 21 were intervention trials. The studies varied in study design, timing of observation/intervention, intervention protocol, malignancy, and anticancer regimen. Conclusion These inconsistencies preclude a definitive conclusion as to the effect of chemotherapy on antioxidant status in patients undergoing anticancer therapy. However, our review suggests that total antioxidant status (measured by total radical antioxidant parameter) declines during cancer treatment. Adequately powered trials or observational studies among patients with a specific cancer diagnosis receiving a specific treatment regimen are needed to address patients' and physicians' concerns regarding these associations.
Efficacy of Oral Adjuvant Therapy After Resection of Colorectal Cancer: 5-Year Results From Three Randomized Trials
Authors:   Meta-Analysis Group of the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum and the Meta-Analysis Group in Cancer
Published: January 2004

Purpose Adjuvant therapy of colorectal cancer with oral fluorinated pyrimidines is attractive because of its ease of administration and good tolerability. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to assess the survival and disease-free survival benefits of treating patients after surgical resection of a primary colorectal tumor with oral fluoropyrimidines for 1 year. Patients and Methods This meta-analysis was performed on individual data from three randomized trials conducted by the Japanese Foundation for Multidisciplinary Treatment for Cancer involving a total of 5,233 patients with stages I to III colorectal cancer. Results The overall hazard ratio in favor of oral therapy was 0.89 for survival (95% CI, 0.80 to 0.99; P = .04), and 0.85 for disease-free survival (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.93; P < .001). Thus oral therapy reduced the risk of death by 11% and the risk of recurrence or death by 15%. There was no significant heterogeneity between trials, nor did the benefit of oral therapy depend on tumor stage (I, II, or III), tumor site (rectum or colon), patient age, or patient sex. Conclusion Oral fluoropyrimidines improve disease-free survival and survival of patients after resection of early-stage colorectal cancer. These observations support the use of these agents alone after resection of early-stage disease, as well as further testing of oral agents in combination with new drugs that have recently shown antitumor activity in advanced colorectal cancer.
Thymidylate Synthase Expression and Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Popat Sanjay , Matakidou Athena , Houlston Richard S. 
Published: January 2004

Purpose A number of studies have investigated the relationship between thymidylate synthase (TS) expression and survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Although most have reported poorer overall and progression-free survival with high TS expression, estimates of the hazard ratio (HR) between studies differ wildly. To derive a more precise estimate of the prognostic significance of TS expression, we have reviewed published studies and carried out a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods Twenty studies stratifying overall survival and/or progression-free survival in CRC patients by TS expression status were eligible for analysis. The principal outcome measure was the HR. Data from these studies were pooled using standard meta-analysis techniques. Results Thirteen studies investigated outcome in a total of 887 cases with advanced CRC, and seven studies investigated outcome in a total of 2,610 patients with localized CRC. A number of methods were used both to assess TS expression and to assign TS status. Sample sizes varied greatly, small sample sizes being a feature of the advanced disease studies. The combined HR estimate for overall survival (OS) was 1.74 (95% CI, 1.34 to 2.26) and 1.35 (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.80) in the advanced and adjuvant settings, respectively, but there was evidence of heterogeneity and possible publication bias. Conclusion Tumors expressing high levels of TS appeared to have a poorer OS compared with tumors expressing low levels. Additional studies with consistent methodology are needed to define the precise prognostic value of TS.
Prognostic Factors for Survival in Previously Treated Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Motzer Robert J. , Bacik Jennifer , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Reuter Victor , Russo Paul , Marion Stephanie , Mazumdar Madhu 
Published: January 2004

PurposeTo describe survival in previously treated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who are candidates for clinical trials of new agents as second-line therapy.Patients and MethodsThe relationship between pretreatment clinical features and survival was studied in 251 patients with advanced RCC treated during 29 consecutive clinical trials between 1975 and 2002. Clinical features were first examined in univariate analyses, and then a stepwise modeling approach based on Cox regression was used to form a multivariate model.ResultsMedian survival for the 251 patients was 10.2 months and differed according to year of treatment, with patients treated after 1990 showing longer survival. In this group, the median overall survival time was 12.7 months. Because the purpose of this analysis was to establish prognostic factors for present-day clinical trial design, prognostic factor analysis was performed on these patients. Pretreatment features associated with a shorter survival in the multivariate analysis were low Karnofsky performance status, low hemoglobin level, and high corrected serum calcium. These were used as risk factors to categorize patients into three different groups. The median time to death in patients with zero risk factors was 22 months. The median survival in patients with one of these prognostic factors was 11.9 months. Patients with two or three risk factors had a median survival of 5.4 months.ConclusionTreatment with novel agents during a clinical trial is indicated for patients with metastatic RCC after progression to cytokine treatment. Three prognostic factors for predicting survival were used to categorize patients into risk groups. These risk categories can be used in clinical trial design and interpretation.