bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Clinical Characteristics of Familial Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Different than in Sporadic Cases?
Authors: Tan M. Özgür , Diker Yusuf , Uygur M. Cemil , Karabıyık İlhan , Erol Demokan 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Familial benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a recently popularised entity with yet uncertain clinical and pathological features. In the present study we investigated whether there was any difference between clinical characteristics of familial and sporadic BPH in a series of 148 surgically treated BPH patients. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> A retrospective analysis was performed in 148 patients subjected to transvesical or transurethral prostatectomy to determine the clinical features of familial BPH. Patients were categorised as having familial BPH when 3 or more (including the patient) first-degree family members gave a history of BPH. Accordingly 23 cases who fit this criterion were accepted as having familial BPH and the rest of the cases were taken as the control group. The two groups were compared with respect to age, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life score, prostate specific antigen (PSA), maximum urinary flow rate and the weight of the surgical prostate specimen. <i>Results:</i> The mean age, IPSS, quality of life score, total PSA, maximum urinary flow rate and the weight of the surgical prostate specimen were found as 65.13 ± 5.51 years, 23.13 ± 4.82, 4.78 ± 0.95, 6.0 ± 4.1 ng/ml, 6.9 ± 2.7 ml/s and 62.96 ± 38.76 g, respectively, in the familial BPH group whereas the same parameters were measured as 68.13 ± 7.68 years, 24.74 ± 3.73, 4.52 ± 0.85, 5.93 ± 4.75 ng/ml, 4.6 ± 1.71 ml/s and 70.87 ± 53.21 g, respectively. No significant difference was present between familial and sporadic BPH cases in any of the studied parameters. <i>Conclusion:</i> The clinical features of familial BPH did not differ significantly from those of sporadic BPH.
Stimulation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Induces Glial-Specific Protein Expression in the Human DAOY Neuroectodermal Cell Line
Authors: Shen Yu-Min , Meltzer Hal , Saljooque Farid , Sang U Hoi 
Published: April 2003

Central nervous system (CNS) stem cells require epidermal growth factor (EGF) to survive and express glial-specific proteins (GSPs) under its influence. EGF and its receptor (EGF-R) therefore are involved in gliogenesis. We hypothesize that EGF selectively modulates GSP expression in pluripotential CNS cells and this effect is dependent on the degree of EGF-R activation (i.e., the amount of both EGF and the EGF-R present). In order to explore this, we investigated the effects of EGF on the expression of glial- and neuronal-specific proteins in the pluripotential human neuroectodermal cell line, DAOY. DAOY clones expressing different EGF-R levels were treated with EGF. The expression of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), glutamine synthetase (GS) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were measured by ELISA. In a clone with low EGF-R levels (clone DAOY-YS-15), EGF selectively stimulated GSPs. In cells which express twice the EGF-R level, EGF (10<sup>–8</sup> <i>M</i>) stimulated both glial and neuronal proteins nonspecifically. In cells with higher EGF-R numbers, EGF suppressed both glial and neuronal proteins. These effects were not due to the negligible growth influences of EGF on the cells. In clone DAOY- YS-15, selective GSP expression was observed as early as 2 days after exposure to EGF (10<sup>–9</sup> <i>M</i>). In these cells, GFAP induction was also shown at the transcriptional level using a quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. This suggests one mechanism for EGF action. Our findings are therefore consistent with the hypothesis that the selective induction of GSPs in pluripotent cells is dependent on the EGF-R level and the degree of EGF-R activation.
Interleukin-1β Induced Synthesis of Protein Kinase C-δ and Protein Kinase C-ε in EL4 Thymoma Cells: Possible Involvement of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase
Authors: Varley Claire L. , Royds Janice A. , Brown Barry L. , Dobson Pauline R.M. 
Published: April 2003

We present evidence here that the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) stimulates a significant increase in protein kinase C (PKC)-&#917; and PKC-δ protein levels and increases PKC-&#917;, but not PKC-δ, transcripts in EL4 thymoma cells. Incubation of EL4 cells with IL-1β induced protein synthesis of PKC-&#917; (6-fold increase) by 7 h and had a biphasic effect on PKC-δ levels with peaks at 4 h (2-fold increase) and 24 h (4-fold increase). At the level of mRNA, PKC-&#917;, but not PKC-δ levels, were induced after incubation of EL4 cells with IL-1β. The signalling mechanisms utilized by IL-1β to induce the synthesis of these PKC isoforms were investigated. Two phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase-specific inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002, inhibited IL-1β-induced synthesis of PKC-&#917;. However, the PI 3-kinase inhibitors had little effect on the IL-1β-induced synthesis of PKC-δ in these cells. Our results indicate that IL-1β induced both PKC-δ and PKC-&#917; expression over different time periods. Furthermore, our evidence suggests that IL-1β induction of PKC-&#917;, but not PKC-δ, may occur via the PI 3-kinase pathway.
Comparison of 25 and 50 μg Vaginally Administered Misoprostol for Preinduction of Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction
Authors: Has Recep , Batukan Cem , Ermis Hayri , Cevher Erdal , Araman Ahmet , Kılıç Gökhan , İbrahimoğlu Lem’i 
Published: April 2003

Our purpose was to compare the efficacy of 25 µg and 50 µg intravaginally administered misoprostol tablets for cervical ripening and labor induction. Either 25-µg (n: 58) or 50-µg (n: 56) misoprostol tablets were randomly administered intravaginally to 114 subjects with an unripe cervix for labor induction. The physician was blinded to the medication. Intravaginal misoprostol was given every 4 h until the onset of labor. The mean Bishop score before misoprostol administration was 2.1 ± 1.6 in the 25-µg group and 2.0 ± 1.4 in the 50-µg group (p > 0.05). With the 25-µg dose the time until delivery was significantly longer (991.2 ± 514.4 min vs. 703.12 ± 432.6 min in the 50-µg group). The use of oxytocin augmentation was significantly higher in the 25-µg group (63.8%) than the 50-µg group (32.1%; p < 0.05). The proportions of patients with tachysystoles and hypersystoles were not significantly different between the two groups (19 and 6.9%, respectively, in the 25-µg group and 25 and 17.8%, respectively, in 50-µg group; p > 0.05). Overall, in the 25-µg group more women achieved vaginal delivery (79.3 vs. 60.7%; p < 0.05). The rate of cesarean sections due to nonreassuring fetal status was higher in the 50-µg misoprostol group (28.6 vs. 10.3%; p < 0.05). The number of neonates with a low 1-min Apgar score (<7) was significantly higher in the 50-µg misoprostol group (26.8 vs. 8.6%; p < 0.05), but 5-min Apgar scores and umbilical artery blood gas values at the time of delivery were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). One patient in the 25-µg group suffered a ruptured uterus. Intravaginal administration of 25 µg of misoprostol is a clinically effective labor induction regimen and has the least adverse effects and complications.
Sonographic Evaluation of the Puerperal Uterus: Correlation with Manual Examination
Authors: Shalev J. , Royburt M. , Fite G. , Mashiach R. , Schoenfeld A. , Bar J. , Ben-Rafael Z. , Meizner I. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives:</i> To document uterine involution after vaginal delivery and cesarean section by abdominal sonography and to compare the efficacy of manual examination and ultrasonography. <i>Study Design:</i> Postpartum manual and sonographic assessment of uterine involution was performed in 120 patients following vaginal and cesarean delivery with an attempt to build a database of changes in uterine dimensions. The patients’ reports on the intensity of uterine contractions and vaginal bleeding were compared to the results of sonographic imaging. <i>Results:</i> Palpation revealed proper uterine involution in 80 and 25% of patients after vaginal delivery and cesarean section, respectively. It could not be performed in 2.5% after vaginal delivery compared to 50% after cesarean section. Uterine length was found to be significantly greater after cesarean section than after vaginal delivery (p = 0.0001), and the anterior uterine wall was significantly thinner than the posterior wall (p = 0.0001). Uterine length was significantly greater in the presence of blood accumulation in the uterine cavity (20.7 cm), than when the uterus was empty (18.8 cm) (p = 0.001). In correlating between the patient’s report of intense bleeding and the sonographic picture of blood in the uterine cavity sonography had a sensitivity of 0.56 and a specificity of 0.83, whereas the patients’ reports had a positive predictive value of 0.22. The difference in information provided by the patients versus that provided by sonography was highly significant (p = 0.001, χ<sup>2</sup> test). <i>Conclusion:</i> Within 3 days after delivery, patients particularly those having had a cesarean section, should undergo uterine sonographic scanning and manual palpation to evaluate involution and presence of blood in the uterine cavity.
Attenuation of Liver and Lung Injury after Hepatic Ischemia and Reperfusion by a Cytokine-Suppressive Agent, FR167653
Authors: Hato S. , Urakami A. , Yamano T. , Uemura T. , Ota T. , Hirai R. , Shimizu N. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is an important clinical problem and leads to the release of the proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1. These cytokines play important roles in the induction of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) activation and infiltration, and induce not only localized hepatic injury but also remote organ injury, especially pulmonary injury. Using a total hepatic ischemia model in rats, we tested our hypothesis that suppression of TNF-α and IL-1 by FR167653 ameliorates I/R injury in the liver and lung. <i>Methods:</i> Male Wistar rats, weighing 240–280 g, were divided into 3 groups, an FR group, a control group and a sham group. In the FR group, FR167653 (1 mg/kg/h) was administered continuously to the animals for 30 min prior to the onset of ischemia and for 2 h after reperfusion. The control group received normal saline. A porto-systemic shunt was placed between the cecal branch of the portal vein and the jugular vein, and total hepatic ischemia was produced for 90 min. The sham group was treated with placement of the porto-systemic shunt only. The 1-week survival rate, liver enzyme activity, hepatic tissue blood flow (HTBF), cytokine mRNA expression, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and histological results were studied. <i>Results:</i> The 1-week survival rate and HTBF were significantly higher in the FR group than in the control group. Serum AST, ALT, and LDH levels were significantly lower in the FR group at 30 min, 1 h and 3 h after reperfusion. MPO levels in liver and lung tissue were also significantly lower in the FR group. The expression of IL-1β mRNA remarkably decreased up to 6 h after reperfusion in the FR group. <i>Conclusions:</i> We concluded that the inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, play important roles in hepatic I/R injury. FR167653 might ameliorate I/R injury and be useful in liver surgery with ischemia.
Dermoid Cyst of the Colon
Authors: Fujita Koichiro , Akiyama Norio , Ishizaki Masatoshi , Tanaka Shigefumi , Ohsawa Kiyotaka , Sugiyama Hiroyuki , Kanoh Ken-ichi , Toki Fumiaki , Asao Takayuki , Kuwano Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2003

Dermoid cysts are benign cystic teratomas lined by skin and epidermal appendages. We report a dermoid cyst occurring in a 26-year-old female whose chief complaint was irregular vaginal bleeding. Abdominal magnetic resonance image demonstrated a space-occupying lesion in the right lower abdomen. The mass showed hyperintensity on the T2 image and the signal was homogeneous for the interior. During abdominal surgery we made the diagnosis of subserous tumor of the colon and resected the ileocecal portion of the colon. The tumor measured 5.4 × 4.8 × 3.5 cm and was soft and elastic. On cross section, a unilocular cyst filled with atheromatous material was found. Pathological examination revealed a dermoid cyst. In the view of this diagnosis, a simple excision would have been an adequate treatment.
Abnormal Coagulation during Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery
Authors: Williams Glyn D. , Ellenbogen Richard G. , Gruss Joseph S. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Introduction:</i> This prospective study of children undergoing major craniofacial surgery was undertaken to determine whether abnormal hemostasis occurred and to characterize any coagulopathy found. <i>Methods:</i> Coagulation tests, blood loss and blood product transfusions were recorded perioperatively. Packed red blood cells (PRBC) were transfused to maintain target hematocrit. Patients with blood loss >100 ml/kg (group A, n = 5) were compared to patients with blood loss <100 ml/kg (group B, n = 22) using Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05). <i>Results:</i> Twenty-seven children (age range 2.9–27.9 months) had median total blood loss of 64 ml/kg. At completion of surgery, median coagulation values differed significantly between groups for prothrombin time (A: 16.6 s; B: 13.8 s), partial thromboplastin time (A: 44 s; B: 29 s), thrombin time (A: 28 s; B: 23 s), thromboelastograph reaction time (A: 7 mm; B: 4 mm), prothrombin fragment F1.2 (A: 1.9 nmol/l; B: 3.3 nmol/l) and platelet count (A: 174 K/mm<sup>–3</sup>; B: 239 K/mm<sup>–3</sup>). Fibrinolysis was not associated with blood loss. Median units transfused were in group A 3 units and group B 1 unit (p = 0.001). All patients received PRBC transfusions but only group A patients received other blood products (fresh frozen plasma, platelets). <i>Conclusion:</i> Children transfused with PRBC during craniosynostosis repair can become coagulopathic from coagulation factor depletion when hemorrhage approaches 1.5 times estimated blood volume.
An Isoflow-Volume Technique for Assessing Airway Dynamics in Children and Adults
Authors: Schibler A. , Frey U. , Kraemer R. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background: </i>We propose a new approach to the measurement of small airway function as an alternative to recordings of maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. <i>Objectives:</i> A newly developed technique to record isoflow-volume (IFV) curves to be tested against maximal respiratory flow curves. <i>Methods:</i> An isoflow whistle (IFW; Iflopen<sup>®</sup>) measures the length of a constant expiration after full inspiration. The note of the whistle enables a subject to generate an even expiration, and the isoflow maintenance times at 1 l·s<sup>–1</sup> (IFMT<sub>1</sub>) and 2 l·s<sup>–1</sup> (IFMT<sub>2</sub>) are recorded. The accuracy and reproducibility of the IFV technique were evaluated in 17 healthy adults (age 17–55 years) and in 14 asthmatic children (age 6–14 years). Comparisons with standard lung function parameters, such as forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV<sub>1</sub>), maximal expiratory flow at 50% (MEF<sub>50</sub>) and 25% (MEF<sub>25</sub>) vital capacity and peak expiratory flow (PEF), obtained with a Wright<sup>®</sup> Peakflow Meter were undertaken in 102 healthy (aged 8–14 years) and 101 asthmatic children (aged 6–17 years). A bronchial challenge test was performed in 13 asthmatic children. <i>Results:</i> The expired volume measured by the IFW showed an acceptable agreement with that of a pneumotachograph (mean error of 4.32% for IFMT<sub>1</sub> and 5.93% for IFMT<sub>2</sub>). In healthy and in asthmatic children, the correlations between FEV<sub>1</sub> and IFMT<sub>1</sub> or IFMT<sub>2</sub> (r = 0.92 and 0.94, respectively) were found to be greater than that between FEV<sub>1</sub> and PEF (r = 0.68). During bronchial challenge tests in 13 asthmatic children, the FEV<sub>1</sub> decreased to 69% of baseline and IFMT<sub>1</sub> to 58% of baseline. <i>Conclusions:</i> The IFV technique accurately measured airway obstruction and closely followed changes in standard parameters of the MEFV curve.
Social Issues of Molecular Biology Applications in Communities: Focussing on Social Representations and the Public’s Perceptions
Authors: Perron Michel , Veillette Suzanne 
Published: April 2003

Some say the reformation generated by advances in molecular biology will be as important as that induced by the current revolution in information technologies. Impacts and issues of this transfer of knowledge, taking the form of prognostic medicine, must therefore be examined. In this respect, one of sociologists’ contributions will surely be to examine the various actors’ points of view (geneticists, physicians, scientists, affected or at-risk individuals, citizens) in order to determine, in perceptions as much as in facts, how technical innovations issued from molecular biology can be disseminated in the social imagery as well as in practice. Based on Saguenay-Lac-St. Jean’s experience and the public interventions of the Corporation for Research and Action on Hereditary Diseases, we propose viewing community genetics as a ‘frontier discipline’, a complex network of actors in which social representations, social participation, as well as service evaluation, must be properly understood.
Efficacy of Itraconazole, Terbinafine, Fluconazole, Griseofulvin and Ketoconazole in the Treatment of <i>Scopulariopsis brevicaulis</i> Causing Onychomycosis of the Toes
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Gregurek-Novak Teodora 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i><i>Scopulariopsis brevicaulis</i> is a common non-dermatophyte mould that can cause onychomycosis. <i>Objective:</i> To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the oral antifungal agents griseofulvin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole and terbinafine in the treatment of <i>S. brevicaulis.</i><i>Patients and Methods:</i> In a prospective, comparative, parallel-group, single-blinded, randomized, non-industry-sponsored study, patients with toe onychomycosis caused by <i>S. brevicaulis</i> sp. were randomized and treated with one of 5 oral antifungal agents, i.e. griseofulvin, ketoconazole, itraconazole (pulse), fluconazole or terbinafine. The treatment regimens were: griseofulvin 600 mg twice daily for 12 months, ketoconazole 200 mg daily for 4 months, itraconazole pulse therapy given for 3 pulses, with each pulse consisting of 200 mg twice daily for 1 week with 3 weeks off between successive pulses, terbinafine 250 mg daily for 12 weeks and fluconazole 150 mg daily for 12 weeks. <i>Results:</i> There were 59 patients (48 males, 11 females, mean age 35.6 years, range 25–53 years). All patients had clinical evidence of distal and lateral onychomycosis, with moderate to severe disease of the target nail. Between the treatment groups there was no significant difference in the mean age of the patients or the mean area of involvement with onychomycosis at baseline. The efficacy parameters were clinical cure (CC) and mycological cure (MC). At month 12 after the start of treatment, the response was: griseofulvin, CC 3/11, MC 0/11, CC + MC 0/11; ketoconazole, CC 10/12, MC 8/12, CC + MC 8/12; itraconazole, CC 12/12, MC 12/12, CC + MC 12/12; terbinafine, CC 12/12, MC 11/12, CC + MC 11/12, and fluconazole, CC 8/12, MC 8/12, CC + MC 8/12. Adverse effects consisted of: griseofulvin, gastro-intestinal symptoms, allergic reaction, photodermatitis, hepatic and renal dysfunction in 11 patients with discontinuation of treatment in 3 patients; ketoconazole, hepatic dysfunction but no symptomatic changes in 2 patients; itraconazole, nausea and vomiting in 2 patients; terbinafine, taste disturbance in 2 patients, nausea in 3 patients, and fluconazole, severe gastro-intestinal events in 5 patients. None of the patients receiving ketoconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine or fluconazole discontinued treatment. <i>Conclusions:</i> Itraconazole and terbinafine demonstrate efficacy against some cases of <i>S. brevicaulis</i> toe onychomycosis. These agents also appear to be safe in the course of therapy for toe onychomycosis. Griseofulvin is ineffective against toe onychomycosis caused by <i>S. brevicaulis</i>. Ketoconazole is not recommended for toe onychomycosis given its potential for adverse effects, particularly with the availability of the newer antifungal agents.
Perforated Appendicitis: Is Laparoscopic Operation Advisable?
Authors: Stöltzing H. , Thon K. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Aims:</i> A retrospective study was used to compare laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis to open operation. <i>Methods:</i> Between July 1991 and June 1999 a total of 734 patients, all over 14 years of age, underwent operation for acute appendicitis. Of these patients, 125 (17%) displayed perforated appendicitis and were treated with either a laparoscopic appendectomy (n = 80; total conversion rate 36/80, 45%) or a primary open procedure (n = 45). <i>Results:</i> Due to selection, the 3 treatment groups (laparoscopic, laparoscopy with conversion, open operation) showed differences with respect to gender, duration of symptoms, proportion of obese patients and patients with generalized peritonitis. The median operating time was 75 min for the laparoscopic procedure, 90 min for a converted procedure and 70 min for open operation. Only 1 of 44 (2%) patients who had a laparoscopic operation, but 8 of 36 (22%) who had a converted operation, and 8 of 45 (18%) who had an open operation developed wound infection. A similar frequency of intra-abdominal abscess formation was observed in the 3 treatment groups (2/44, 5%; 3/36, 8%; 2/45, 5%). Fatal outcome occurred only in patients who underwent an open operation and presented with severe peritonitis (5/45, 11%). <i>Conclusions:</i> Despite limitations in comparability of patient groups, laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with a significantly lower rate of septic wound complications (p < 0.05). This was especially true for the subgroup of obese patients (BMI >26). Therefore, for patients with perityphlitic abscess or fresh purulent lower abdominal peritonitis, but not for patients with generalized peritonitis, laparoscopic appendectomy is not only justifiable but even recommended as the procedure of choice.
Effects of Transfusion on Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Wound Healing and Leukocyte Function in Rats
Authors: Ohwada S. , Sato Y. , Sato N. , Toyama Y. , Okano T. , Nakasone Y. , Ogawa T. , Morishita Y. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> This study was done to investigate the effects of blood transfusion on gastrointestinal anastomotic wound healing and leukocyte function. <i>Methods:</i> Closed-colony male Wistar rats were divided into five groups in a group-mixed fashion and underwent laparotomy (the CONT and WB groups) or gastrectomy and gastroduodenostomy (the GAST, GAST/WB and GAST/LDRWB groups). Immediately, they received 3 ml of saline (the CONT and GAST groups) or blood from Wistar donors (the WB and GAST/WB groups, whole blood; the GAST/LDRWB group, a transfusion of irradiated and leukocyte-depleted whole blood). The animals were killed 7 days after surgery. <i>Results:</i> The GAST/WB group had a higher incidence of anastomotic abscess, a lower level of factor XIII and a lower maximum breaking strength than the GAST group. Gastrectomy decreased L-DCL (luminol-dependent chemiluminescence) more than whole-blood transfusion. In the GAST/WB group, L-DCL was severely reduced, while in the GAST/LDRWB group it was roughly equivalent to the level in the GAST group. <i>Conclusions:</i> Whole-blood transfusion increased the incidence of anastomotic abscess and impaired anastomotic wound healing, and these might relate to the reduction of L-DCL. Irradiated and leukocyte-depleted transfusion can improve these effects.