bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural phenylpropanoids inhibit lipoprotein-induced endothelin-1 secretion by endothelial cells
Authors: Martin-Nizard Françoise , Sahpaz Sevser , Kandoussi Abdelmejid , Carpentier Marie , Fruchart Jean-Charles , Duriez Patrick , Bailleul François 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
There is increasing evidence that oxidized low-density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL) might be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and it has been reported that polyphenols inhibit LDL peroxidation and atherosclerosis. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide isolated from endothelial cells and it induces smooth muscle cell proliferation. ET-1 secretion is increased in atheroma and induces deleterious effects such as vasospasm and atherosclerosis. The goal of this study was to test the effect of four natural phenolic compounds against copper-oxidized LDL (Cu-LDL)-induced ET-1 liberation by bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). The tested compounds were phenylpropanoid glycosides previously isolated from the aerial parts of Marrubium vulgare L. (acteoside 1, forsythoside B 2, arenarioside 3 and ballotetroside 4). ET-1 secretion increased when cells were incubated with Cu-LDL but the compounds 1–4 inhibited this increase. These results were confirmed by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) analysis. Since ET-1 plays an important role in atherosclerosis development, our work suggests that the tested phenylpropanoids could have a beneficial effect in inhibiting atherosclerosis development.
Green-coloured results on guaiac-based faecal occult blood testing should be considered positive
Authors: Gordon Joy C , Steele RJC , Fraser CG 
Published: November 2004

Background: In guaiac-based faecal occult blood tests (FOBT), blue colours are considered positive. Blue-green colours should also be considered positive. Distinct green colours are said to be due to bile and it is stated that these should be interpreted as negative. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes in individuals in whom the FOBT had difficult-to-interpret green colours that did not wash out on addition of developer. Methods: During the examination of 134 844 FOBT received in the Scottish laboratory in the first screening round of the UK Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot, samples with green colour that did not wash out during development were identified. The clinical outcomes were determined from the comprehensive data set collected for each participant. Results: A small number (77) of FOBT were recorded as green-coloured on development. These were reported as positive and the usual investigation algorithm followed. Significant pathology was present in 31 of the 77 participants (40.3%). Negative outcomes encompassed 39 of the 77 participants (50.6%). The outcome could not be determined accurately for seven of the 77 participants (9.1%). Importantly, 17 of the participants (22.1%) had polyps. Conclusions: Any green colour that does not wash out to the periphery of the guaiac tape on development of FOBT should be reported as a positive result, and manufacturers should clarify their instructions on interpretation.
Clinical and laboratory features of calcium-sensing receptor disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Gunn Ian R , Gaffney Dairena 
Published: November 2004

Mutations in the calcium-sensing receptor gene ( CaSR) may result in disorders of calcium homeostasis manifesting as familial benign hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FBHH), neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT) or autosomal dominant hypocalcaemia with hypercalciuria (ADHH). FBHH may have a population prevalence as high as one in 16 000, and ADHH one in 70 000. NSHPT is very rare. The FBHH condition is usually asymptomatic. Parathyroidectomy does not result in normal serum calcium, and no active treatment is indicated. To differentiate FBHH from primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), a guideline which includes measurement of serum calcium, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), magnesium and fasting urinary calcium excretion is proposed. Screening of family members for hypercalcaemia, and occasionally a search for mutations in the CaSR gene, may be required. The NSHPT condition may manifest with hypercalcaemia, (usually) very elevated serum PTH concentration, subperiosteal erosions and fractures. Milder cases may be managed medically, but respiratory failure, extreme hypercalcaemia and failure to thrive are indications for early parathyroidectomy. The ADHH condition may result in asymptomatic hypocalcaemia, but some affected family members have minor symptoms, and a minority experience seizures in infancy which can recur into adulthood. A significant proportion of cases previously reported as idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (IHP) may in fact be due to mutations in the CaSR gene. In a moderately hypocalcaemic patient with no other clearly discernible cause, an elevated urine calcium:creatinine ratio is suggestive of ADHH, as is the presence of a first-degree relative with hypocalcaemia. If treatment with vitamin D analogues is undertaken, serum and urine calcium should be monitored, advice which applies equally to ADHH and IHP.
Bilateral adrenal enlargement and non-suppressible hypercortisolism as a presenting feature of gastric cancer
Authors: Biswas M , Smith JC , Davies JS 
Published: November 2004

In patients with cancer, adrenal enlargement due to either metastatic disease or diffuse non-metastatic hyperplasia is increasingly recognized with modern imaging techniques. Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, characterized by non-suppressible hypercortisolism, has also been described in neoplasia in the absence of ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) production. In the majority of cases of malignancy-associated hypercortisolism, it might be expected that the presence of malignant disease would be clinically apparent, thus rendering a detailed endocrinological evaluation of the HPA axis unnecessary. However, in the present case we describe a patient with occult malignancy presenting with bilateral adrenocortical enlargement and non-suppressible hypercortisolism that was not due to the ectopic ACTH syndrome. There were no clinical Cushingoid features other than hypertension and new-onset diabetes mellitus. Detailed diagnostic investigations for the possibility of Cushing's syndrome were performed before the underlying diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma eventually became apparent. Characteristics and potential mechanisms of non-suppressible hypercortisolism in cancer are discussed. We believe that this scenario will occur with greater frequency in the future, given the increasing early use of sophisticated high-resolution imaging for the evaluation of suspected intra-abdominal pathology.
Plasma fibrinogen
Authors: Lowe Gordon DO , Rumley Ann , Mackie Ian J 
Published: November 2004

Fibrinogen is the major plasma protein coagulation factor. Low plasma fibrinogen concentrations are therefore associated with an increased risk of bleeding due to impaired primary and secondary haemostasis. Fibrinogen is a classical positive acute-phase reactant protein and is an independent predictor of coronary heart disease events. This review considers available methods for measurement of fibrinogen and makes recommendations as to their appropriate use. Total clottable fibrinogen assays are the definitive and reference method for plasma fibrinogen measurement. However, they are time-consuming and are rarely required in clinical practice. Clotting rate assays remain the routine method of choice for investigation, monitoring and treatment of bleeding disorders associated with low plasma fibrinogen concentrations. They are appropriately sited in haematology or haemostasis laboratories, with facilities for further relevant investigations, and expert advice from consultant haematologists on appropriate management. They have also been used in the majority of studies investigating increasing fibrinogen concentrations as a cardiovascular risk factor. Prothrombin-time derived assays are widely used, because they are less expensive and come at no extra cost with prothrombin time assays. However, their results vary widely with analysers and reagents, show discrepancies with clotting rate assays for both low and normal plasma fibrinogen samples, and at present they are not recommended by routine clinical use. Immunoassays (radial immunodiffusion, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or nephelometric) are useful in (a) differentiating hypofibrinogenaemia from dysfibrinogenaemia, and (b) assessing cardiovascular risk and acute-phase reactions. Unlike clottable fibrinogen assays, immunoassays can be performed in dipotassium edetate anticoagulated samples.
Increasing hCG concentrations during storage at +4°C with the Bayer Centaur Total hCG method
Authors: Page K , Gomez J , Smith N 
Published: November 2004

Background: The interpretation of changes in serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentrations in early pregnancy requires a knowledge of the day-to-day imprecision of the method at the concentrations measured. We therefore attempted to determine the analytical imprecision of our total hCG method over a 4-week period at concentrations up to 20 000 IU/L. Methods: Serum specimens with hCG concentrations between 100 and 20 000 IU/L were collected during early pregnancy and analysed using the Bayer Centaur Total hCG method at weekly intervals after storage at +4°C and -20° C. Results: The reproducibility of hCG results over a 4-week period in refrigerated specimens with an initial hCG concentration below 1000 IU/L was poor (mean coefficient of variation = 17.4%) and there was an apparent increase in serum hCG concentrations of up to 68%. Similar changes occurred in some specimens stored at -20°C. Further experiments confirmed that significant increases can occur during the first week following specimen collection. Conclusions: Total hCG concentrations in serum specimens collected during early pregnancy increase significantly during storage when measured by the Bayer Centaur Total hCG method, possibly due to a conformational change in hyperglycosylated hCG. When this method is used for monitoring early pregnancy, specimens should ideally be analysed on the day of collection.
Multidimensional assessment of voice and speech after supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy
Authors: Yücetürk Ali Vefa , Günhan Kivanç 
Published: November 2004

This study was designed: to evaluate the vocal function in the patients with supracricoid laryngectomy (SCL) compared with normal subjects; to determine the factors affecting voice (such as number of arytenoid(s) preserved and movement of larynx and tongue base); and to determine the correlations between videolaryngostroboscopy, acoustic and perceptual parameters. Ten patients who underwent SCL with cricohyoidopexy for primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were included into the study. Vocal function was investigated by means or videolaryngostroboscopy. Voice quality was assessed by means of objective acoustic analysis and subjective perceptual ratings by trained raters.Aberrant, incompetent, and rough mucosal wave was observed in the anterior and superior surfaces of arytenoids(s), the inferior part of tongue base and the lateral walls of the hypopharynx. The acoustic parameters were found to be significantly different from those of normal subjects. The values of perceptual scores were approximately within 50 per cent of normal range. The number of arytenoids spared did not affect acoustic or perceptual measurements. A rough, breathy, unpleasant but intelligible and acceptable voice could be obtained after SCL with cricohyoidopexy.
Disaster avoided: otalgia warns of potential electrode extrusion
Authors: Tahery J. , Khan M.I.J. , Ramsden R.T. 
Published: November 2004

Cochlear implantation is usually a safe procedure but, as in most surgical interventions, it can carry some risk of complications. These can be divided into major and minor that, in turn, in turn can present early or late. This case report highlights a potential late, major complication of cochlear implantation namely extrusion, which was averted by prompt intervention. The patient presented with a three months’ history of otalgia some six yearsafter successful implantation. The posterior half of the tympanic membrane was found to be retracted on the electrode, which appeared to be on the point of extruding through the drum. A tragal cartilage myringoplasty was performed to separate the electrode from the medial surface of the tympanic membrane. There was immediate and lasting relief of the otalgia, the electrode was well protected and performance with the device was unchanged. The authors recommend reinforcing an atrophic tympanic membrane at the time of the cochlearimplantation by a cartilage graft to avoid this potentially serious complication. The case alsohighlights the need for regular otoscopy for all implanted patients.
Is a doctor needed in the adult ENT pre–admission clinic?
Authors: Daniel M. , Banerjee A.R. 
Published: November 2004

Objectives: Pre-admission clinics are traditionally run jointly by nurses and doctors. Within an adult ENT pre-admission clinic, we wished to assess what doctors added tonurses’ pre-clerking, to determine whether doctors were actually needed in the clinic.Methods: Prospective study,looking at how often doctors, seeing patients after ward-based nurses, changed or added to clerking or tests as organized by nurses.Results: Out of 184 patients, doctors changed or added to nurses’ clerking or planned investigations in 47 patients (26 per cent), making 64 different changes. The commonest reasonsfor changes were ordering blood tests (22 changes), chest X-rays (eight), cancelling due to hypertension (seven), altering drug history (five) and requesting electrocardiograms (five changes).Conclusion: Most changes made by doctors could be eliminated by designing a
pre-admission clinic protocol that could easily be used by nurses. We recommend that all ENT departments consider implementing nurse-led pre-admission clinics.
Analysis of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) in Spiked Water and Beverage Samples Using Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) on Fiber Derivatization/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
Authors: Meyers JE , Almirall JR 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a CNS depressant that has been abused recreationally for its purported euphoric and relaxation effects and for the purposes of drug facilitated sexual assault due to its sedative and amnesic effects at higher doses. The dramatic increase in the abuse of GHB and association in criminal investigations over the past decade has created the need for forensic laboratories to develop analytical methods to detect GHB in a variety of matrices. The method developed in this work used solid-phase microextraction (SPME) to extract GHB from aqueous samples followed by on-fiber derivatization and analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This method detected GHB in aqueous matrices with good sensitivity, high precision, excellent linearity from 0.01 mg/mL to 0.25 mg/mL, and without the need for sample manipulation that could cause interconversion between GHB and its lactone, GBL. The method was successfully applied for detection of GHB in spiked water and beverage samples.
Recognition of Cemetery Remains in A Forensic Context
Authors: Rogers TL 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide guidelines for the recognition of human remains from modern and historic cemeteries found in a forensic context. Three avenues of evidence may be pursued to confirm the origin of cemetery remains: context, condition of the body, and associated artifacts. This article outlines types of North American cemeteries, demonstrating how land use over time has resulted in many being closed, moved, or forgotten, leaving only the context to indicate their presence. The condition of human cemetery remains varies considerably depending on cultural practices and burial environment, but many exhibit combinations of the following traits: dried or embalmed tissue; erosion of bony pressure points; cortical bone flaking; and bone damage due to autopsy or embalming. Examples of artifact types useful in recognizing cemetery remains are also provided. Two cases from British Columbia, Canada are presented to demonstrate the diagnostic features of a disturbed cemetery burial.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Risk Factors with Regards to Sleep Position, Sleep Surface, and Co-Sleeping
Authors: Alexander RT , Radisch D 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
We present a study of 102 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) deaths using a retrospective review of medical examiner autopsy reports. The prevalence of sleep related risk factors with regards to sleep surface, sleep position, and co-sleeping were determined in a population of infants less than 1-year-old. Of the 102 SIDS deaths, 67 (65.7%) were not in a crib, 63 (61.8%) were prone, and 48 (47.1%) were co-sleeping. However, 94 (92.2%) of these deaths had at least one risk factor present. Only 8 (7.8%) infants had slept alone, in a crib or bassinet, and on their back or side. Infants less than 4-months-old had a higher rate of co-sleeping (54.7%) than the older infants (25.9%), and a higher frequency of heart malformations at post-mortem examination. The older infants were more likely to exhibit pulmonary and tracheal inflammation, and neuropathology.
Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna: Forensic Issues
Authors: Devriendt W , Piercecchi-Marti M-D , Adalian P , Sanvoisin A , Dutour O , Leonetti G 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The use of pathological conditions in age and sex determination, important factors in personal identification, is not widespread in anthropology and legal medicine. Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) is a bone condition that mainly affects the inner table of the frontal bone. Although there are numerous publications on the subject, at the present time its etiology remains obscure. Several associations of symptoms, whose incidence varies according to the population studied, have been described. Age and gender appear to be linked with the preponderance of this condition, as does the presence of behavioral disturbances. The aim of our study, based on a series of 1532 autopsies, was to define the incidence and the associations observed with other pathological conditions. Thirteen cases of HFI were identified (0.8% of autopsies), 12 women and one man whose mean age was 59.15 years (range: 42–79 years). All had behavioral disturbances and most were under psychiatric care. This study emphasizes the value of this condition in medico-legal identification.
Structure-activity relationship approaches and applications
Authors: Tong Weida , Welsh William J. , Shi Leming , Fang Hong , Perkins Roger 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
New techniques and software have enabled ubiquitous use of structure-activity relationships (SARs) in the pharmaceutical industry and toxicological sciences. We review the status of SAR technology by using examples to underscore the advances as well as the unique technical challenges. Applying SAR involves two steps: Characterization of the chemicals under investigation, and application of chemometric approaches to explore data patterns or to establish the relationships between structure and activity. We describe generally but not exhaustively the SAR methodologies popular use in toxicology, including representation of chemical structure, and chemometric techniques where models are both unsupervised and supervised. The utility of SAR technology is most evident when supervised methods are used to predict toxicity of untested chemicals based only on chemical structure. Such models can predict on both an ordinal scale (e.g., active vs inactive) or a continuous scale (e.g., median lethal dose [LD50] dose). The reader is also referred to a companion paper in this issue that discusses quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) methods that have advanced markedly over the past decade.
Overview of data and conceptual approaches for derivation of quantitative structure-activity relationships for ecotoxicological effects of organic chemicals
Authors: Bradbury Steven P. , Russom Christine L. , Ankley Gerald T. , Schultz T. Wayne , Walker John D. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The use of quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) in assessing potential toxic effects of organic chemicals on aquatic organisms continues to evolve as computational efficiency and toxicological understanding advance. With the ever-increasing production of new chemicals, and the need to optimize resources to assess thousands of existing chemicals in commerce, regulatory agencies have turned to QSARs as essential tools to help prioritize tiered risk assessments when empirical data are not available to evaluate toxicological effects. Progress in designing scientifically credible QSARs is intimately associated with the development of empirically derived databases of well-defined and quantified toxicity endpoints, which are based on a strategic evaluation of diverse sets of chemical structures, modes of toxic action, and species. This review provides a brief overview of four databases created for the purpose of developing QSARs for estimating toxicity of chemicals to aquatic organisms. The evolution of QSARs based initially on general chemical classification schemes, to models founded on modes of toxic action that range from nonspecific partitioning into hydrophobic cellular membranes to receptor-mediated mechanisms is summarized. Finally, an overview of expert systems that integrate chemical-specific mode of action classification and associated QSAR selection for estimating potential toxicological effects of organic chemicals is presented.
A review of quantitative structure-activity relationship methods for the prediction of atmospheric oxidation of organic chemicals
Authors: Meylan William M. , Howard Philip H. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Organic compounds are chemically transformed in the troposphere by reaction with photochemically generated oxidants that include hydroxyl radicals, nitrate radicals, and ozone. The reaction rates are a measure of atmospheric persistence and are necessary for developing environmental exposure assessments. Since relatively few experimentally measured rate constants are available, environmental risk/exposure assessors must estimate degradation rates. Rates can be predicted through use of quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs). QSAR methods are described for estimating reaction rates with hydroxyl radicals, nitrate radicals, and ozone. QSAR accuracy and limitations are also discussed.
Quantitative structure-activity relationships for predicting skin and respiratory sensitization
Authors: Rodford Rosemary , Patlewicz Grace , Walker John D. , Payne Martin P. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) for predicting skin and respiratory sensitization are reviewed. Overall, progress has been hampered by the sparseness of good quality experimental data, a fact that makes it difficult, at this time, to recommend one or two QSARs for predicting skin and respiratory sensitization. Creation of appropriate data sets for uninvestigated classes of chemicals by experimentation should facilitate the development of more robust QSARs for predicting skin and respiratory sensitization. Such QSARs will be valuable in the evaluation of identifiable toxic hazards where dose responses are relevant, as is the case for skin and respiratory sensitization.
Quantitative structure-activity relationships for predicting skin and eye irritation
Authors: Patlewicz Grace , Rodford Rosemary , Walker John D. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Recent quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) for the prediction of skin and eye irritation were reviewed. The QSARs in these areas are hindered by the lack of quality in vivo data and by a lack of understanding of the mechanisms of action. Creation of appropriate data sets for experimentation would facilitate the development of robust QSARs for predicting skin and eye irritation.