bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of caliceal diverticulum in two pediatric patients: A comparison of sonography, CT, and urography
Authors: Kavukcu Salih , Cakmakci Handan , Babayigit Arzu 
Published: April 2003

AbstractCaliceal diverticulum is a rare disorder in which a urine‐filled cavity is connected to the renal calix by a narrow isthmus. Treatment of caliceal diverticulum varies depending on the complications, which include recurrent kidney infections, hematuria, and symptomatic calculi. The use of sonography may be insufficient for accurately diagnosing this condition; contrast urography, CT, or both also may be needed. We report the cases of 2 pediatric patients whose initial sonographic diagnosis was renal cystic disease but whose final diagnosis was caliceal diverticulum on contrast‐enhanced urography in 1 case and both urography and CT in the other case. The patients received no further treatment but continue to receive follow‐up care to monitor for the presence of infections and calculi. Accurate diagnosis of caliceal diverticulum in both cases spared the patients and their families the psychological burden of unnecessary further investigation of renal cystic disease. These cases emphasize the importance of using contrast‐enhanced imaging modalities for confirmation when sonographic findings suggest the presence of renal cystic lesions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:218–221, 2003
Idiopathic calcific constrictive pericarditis causing pulmonary stenosis associated with a ventricular septal defect mimicking tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Chien Shao‐Ju , Liang Chi‐Di , Ko Sheung‐Fat , Chang Jen‐Ping 
Published: April 2003

AbstractWe describe an unusual case of pulmonary stenosis caused by calcific constrictive pericarditis associated with a congenital ventricular septal defect in a 16‐year‐old boy who had a 2‐week history of progressive dyspnea, cyanosis, fatigue, and bilateral leg edema. Echocardiographic findings led to an initial diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot; however, findings on chest radiography and CT were suggestive of calcific constrictive pericarditis with pulmonary stenosis, which was then confirmed on cardiac catheterization. Total pericardiectomy and repair of the ventricular septal defect resulted in a satisfactory outcome. Follow‐up examinations at 6 and 20 months showed that the patient was asymptomatic and considered to have class I New York Heart Association functional status. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of calcific constrictive pericarditis with pulmonary stenosis associated with a ventricular septal defect. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:222–225, 2003
Sonography versus helical CT in identification and staging of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Minniti Salvatore , Bruno Costanza , Biasiutti Carlo , Tonel Davide , Falzone Andrea , Falconi Massimo , Procacci Carlo 
Published: April 2003

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this prospective study was to compare sonography with helical CT in the identification and staging of ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.MethodsSixty‐four patients with histopathologically proven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma underwent both sonography and helical CT at our hospital between November 1, 2000, and October 31, 2001. These diagnostic imaging examinations were performed by 2 independent radiologists who were unaware of the findings of any other imaging or histopathologic examination and who assessed each case for the presence of tumor, involvement of peripancreatic vessels, the presence of metastases in the liver, and the resectability of the tumor. In the patients who underwent subsequent laparotomy, imaging‐based diagnoses of overall resectability and vascular involvement were compared with surgical findings, which were considered the gold standard. Imaging‐based diagnoses for the presence of hepatic metastases were compared with the findings of intraoperative sonography in patients who underwent radical resection and with the surgical findings in the patients who underwent palliative surgery; the operative findings were considered the gold standard.ResultsIn the identification of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, sonography was more accurate (61 of 64 tumors, 95.3%) than helical CT was (57 of 64 tumors, 89.1%). In the overall prediction of resectability among the 43 patients who underwent laparotomy, sonography (81.4%) was less accurate than CT was (86.0%). In diagnosing involvement of the superior mesenteric artery, sonography (95.3%) was more accurate than CT (88.4%). The 2 methods were equally accurate in diagnosing hepatic metastases (86.0%) and involvement of the celiac trunk (100%) and the superior mesenteric vein (88.4%), but sonography was less accurate than CT for diagnosing involvement of the common hepatic artery (90.7% versus 95.3%, respectively) and portal vein (88.4% versus 93.0%, respectively).ConclusionsSonography is more reliable than CT in identifying pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and its accuracy in staging is similar to that of CT. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 31:175–182, 2003
Left diaphragmatic eventration diagnosed as congenital diaphragmatic hernia by prenatal sonography
Authors: Yang Jeong In 
Published: April 2003

AbstractCongenital diaphragmatic eventration is an abnormal elevation of the diaphragm resulting from failure of muscle fibers to develop during gestation. A mediastinal shift to the contralateral side may cause significant compression of the affected chest contents, resulting in compromised pulmonary function, especially when both sides are involved. Differentiating between congenital diaphragmatic eventration and congenital diaphragmatic hernia is very difficult but important because eventration has a better perinatal outcome than diaphragmatic hernia has. This report discusses a case of congenital diaphragmatic eventration that was initially diagnosed by prenatal sonography as a diaphragmatic hernia on the left side. In this case, the correct diagnosis was made at the time of surgery shortly after the infant's birth. The defect was repaired by plication, and the infant's outcome was favorable. Although the initial diagnosis was incorrect in this case, the use of sonography can aid in the prenatal detection and diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic anomalies. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:214–217, 2003
Seminal vesicle masses detected incidentally during transrectal sonographic examination of the prostate
Authors: Al‐Saeed Osama , Sheikh Mehraj , Kehinde E. O. , Makar R. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to review the incidence and type of seminal vesicle (SV) masses discovered during transrectal sonography (TRUS) of the prostate.MethodsPatients were a consecutive series of men referred for TRUS of the prostate because of lower urinary tract symptoms or elevated prostate‐specific antigen levels, who were found on TRUS to have SV masses. Patients with prostate cancer involving the SVs were excluded. Cystic lesions were sampled by fine‐needle aspiration and solid lesions by core biopsy, all under sonographic guidance.ResultsOf the 450 patients who underwent TRUS between January 1997 and December 2001, 10 (2%) were found to have SV masses; 5 masses were cystic and 5 were solid. Cytologic evaluation of aspirated specimens revealed benign findings in all 5 cysts. Four of the 5 patients with solid SV masses had chronic schistosomiasis, and the mass in the fifth patient was a metastatic deposit from a renal cell carcinoma.ConclusionsSV masses may be responsible for lower urinary tract symptoms in a small fraction of cases. A cystic mass is presumptively benign, whereas a solid lesion has a small probability of being malignant, especially if the patient has a primary neoplasm elsewhere. Schistosomiasis should always be considered when making a differential diagnosis in patients who live in areas where infestation is endemic. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:201–206, 2003
Use of a curved‐array transducer to reduce interobserver variation in sonographic measurement of thyroid volume in healthy adults
Authors: Peeters Els Y. , Shabana Wael M. , Verbeek Peter A. , Osteaux Michel M. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractPurposeSonographic calculation of thyroid volume is used in the diagnosis and follow‐up of thyroid diseases. Since the calculated volume of thyroid lobes is highly influenced by the longest (ie, craniocaudal) diameter, we examined whether using a curved‐array transducer as opposed to a linear‐array transducer to measure the craniocaudal diameter would reduce interobserver variation.MethodsThree sonographers with different levels of expertise each used a 5–12‐MHz linear‐array transducer and a 2–5‐MHz curved‐array transducer to measure the craniocaudal diameter of both thyroid lobes of 25 healthy volunteers. On the basis of these measurements, thyroid lobe volumes were calculated. Single‐factor analysis of variance was used to evaluate the interobserver variations between the measurements made by all 3 observers as well as between measurements taken by pairs of observers. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsUsing the linear‐array transducer to measure the craniocaudal diameter resulted in significant interobserver variation in thyroid volume calculation (p = 0.02), whereas using the convex‐array transducer did not. Using either transducer resulted in a highly significant interobserver variation in measurements of the craniocaudal diameter, although the variation was far more pronounced for measurements made with the linear‐array transducer (p = 0.0005) than for those made with the curved‐array transducer (p = 0.04). For both transducers, the interobserver variations were most pronounced between the most and the least experienced sonographers.ConclusionsTo avoid significant interobserver variation in calculating thyroid lobe volume, we recommend using a curved‐array transducer to measure the craniocaudal diameter of the thyroid lobes. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:189–193, 2003
Handheld ultrasound device for detection of non‐opaque and semi‐opaque foreign bodies in soft tissues*
Authors: Levy Angela D. , Harcke H. Theodore 
Published: April 2003

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to determine whether a portable handheld ultrasound device can be used to visualize non‐opaque and semi‐opaque foreign bodies in soft tissues and to characterize their sonographic appearance.MethodsTwenty‐two fragments composed of various natural and man‐made materials and ranging from 4 to 20 mm in the maximum longitudinal dimension were embedded into 2 thawed turkey breasts. Two sonographers who were unaware of the number, dimensions, and locations of the fragments used a handheld ultrasound device to detect and characterize the fragments on the basis of their surface echogenicity and acoustic shadowing. The sonographic appearance of each fragment was compared with its actual characteristics.ResultsAll 22 embedded fragments were successfully identified and localized on sonography. Surface echogenicity and acoustic shadowing varied among the fragments. For some fragments, the sonographically measured maximum longitudinal dimension differed substantially from the actual dimension.ConclusionsUse of a portable handheld ultrasound device is effective for the detection of foreign bodies with a diameter greater than 4 mm in soft tissues. The sonographic appearances of non‐opaque and semi‐opaque foreign bodies vary in their patterns of surface echogenicity and acoustic shadowing. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:183–188, 2003
Sonographic measurement of the fetal cerebellum, cisterna magna, and cavum septum pellucidum in normal fetuses in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
Authors: Serhatlioglu Selami , Kocakoc Ercan , Kiris Adem , Sapmaz Ekrem , Boztosun Yasemin , Bozgeyik Zulkif 
Published: April 2003

AbstractPurposeAbsence of the cavum septum pellucidum (CSP), the cisterna magna (CM), or both, and enlargement of either or both structures are associated with various central nervous system malformations. In an effort to determine normal sizes and relationships between these cranial structures, we measured the CSP and CM in normal fetuses in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy using transabdominal sonography.MethodsWomen with uncomplicated pregnancies and normal singleton fetuses between 16 and 38 weeks' menstrual age were included in this prospective study. The width and anteroposterior (AP) diameters of the CSP were measured on the transverse transventricular plane, and the AP diameter of the CM was measured on the transcerebellar plane from the posterior aspect of the cerebellar vermis to the inner edge of the cranium. The transverse and AP diameters of the cerebellum were also measured. In addition, we measured the biparietal diameters (BPDs).ResultsIn total, 130 women participated; 64 were examined in their second trimester and 66 in their third trimester. The mean age of the women was 27.4 ± 4.8 years (range, 18–38 years), and the mean menstrual age of the fetuses was 26.9 ± 6.7 weeks (range, 16–38 weeks). The mean BPD was 66.8 ± 18.7 mm (range, 30–96 mm). The mean width and AP diameter of the CSP and the mean AP diameter of the CM differed significantly between the second and third trimesters (p < 0.001). All measured parameters correlated significantly with menstrual age and BPD.ConclusionsIn normal fetuses, the CSP and CM should be visible on transabdominal sonography between 16 and 38 weeks' menstrual age. Because abnormalities in these cranial structures may be indicative of central nervous system malformations, the availability of mean sonographic measurements from normal fetuses should be helpful in determining the need for additional testing in fetuses with abnormal measurements. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:194–200, 2003
5‐Fluorouracil efficiently enhanced apoptosis induced by adenovirus‐mediated transfer of caspase‐8 in DLD‐1 colon cancer cells
Authors: Uchida Hiroaki , Shinoura Nobusada , Kitayama Joji , Watanabe Toshiaki , Nagawa Hirokazu , Hamada Hirofumi 
Published: April 2003

AbstractBackgroundIn order to develop a safe and effective gene therapy for cancer, more powerful therapeutic genes must be selected and a gene transduction methodology needs to be devised that minimizes the total dose of vector required. We investigated the combination effect of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), a first‐choice drug for the treatment of colorectal cancer and adenovirus‐mediated transfer of caspase‐8 in DLD‐1 colon cancer cells.MethodsThe degree of cell death was assessed by determining the percentage of cells which had died, and the degree of DNA fragmentation. The protein expression levels and degree of activation of caspase‐8 were analyzed by Western blot analysis. The degree of transgene expression was assessed using adenoviral vectors expressing lacZ and GFP.ResultsCombination treatment led to a significant induction of apoptosis, whereas treatment with either approach alone resulted in only minimal cytotoxicity. Caspase‐8 was only activated in cells that received the combined treatment. Exposure to 5‐FU increased the quantity of transgene expression per cell, 48 h post‐infection. A potentiating effect of adenoviral treatment was also seen when 5‐FU treatment was substituted by the overexpression of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors, p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1, suggesting that the cytostatic effect of 5‐FU augmented apoptosis induced by caspase‐8 gene transduction by inhibiting the dilution of gene products associated with cell division.ConclusionsThis combination strategy may be very useful in the treatment of 5‐FU‐resistant colorectal cancers and may also be more generally helpful in minimizing the dose of therapeutic vectors used in cancer gene therapy. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The secretory leukoprotease inhibitor (SLPI) promoter for ovarian cancer gene therapy
Authors: Barker Shannon D. , Coolidge Candace J. , Kanerva Anna , Hakkarainen Tanja , Yamamoto Masato , Liu Bin , Rivera Angel A. , Bhoola Snehal M. , Barnes Mack N. , Alvarez Ronald D. , Curiel David T. , Hemminki Akseli 
Published: April 2003

AbstractBackgroundAdenoviruses allow efficient transduction of dividing and non‐dividing cells and their safety for the treatment of cancer has been established in clinical trials. However, one disadvantage is their promiscuous tropism. In this regard, tissue‐specific promoters (TSPs) could be useful for directing transgene expression to target tissues and for reducing adverse effects in non‐target tissues. We hypothesize that selective adenovirus‐mediated transgene expression could be achieved through the use of the secretory leukoprotease inhibitor (SLPI) promoter in the context of ovarian cancer.MethodsAdenoviruses containing the SLPI promoter driving reporter and suicide gene expression were created and tested in ovarian cancer cell lines and primary tumor cells isolated from patients. To evaluate the in vivo activation of the SLPI promoter in comparison to a ubiquitous promoter, intraperitoneal delivery was performed in tumor‐bearing mice, followed by analysis of survival or gene expression in normal organs and tumor.ResultsThe SLPI promoter retained its fidelity in an adenoviral context and was activated in both cell lines and primary cancer cells. The SLPI promoter was induced to a high degree in ovarian cancer cells while showing significantly reduced activity in normal tissues. The therapeutic efficacy of SLPI promoter‐controlled gene expression was similar to the ubiquitous promoter in vitro and in an orthotopic murine model of peritoneally disseminated ovarian cancer, with higher activity than controls.ConclusionsThe SLPI promoter is a potentially useful TSP for ovarian cancer and facilitates further development of targeting strategies for improved gene therapy of ovarian carcinomas. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conditional cell suicide using dox‐dependent caspase‐2 expression
Authors: Knott Anja , Müller Yvonne , Zunino Susan J. , Berens Christian , Hillen Wolfgang 
Published: April 2003

AbstractBackgroundAdoptive immune transfer is used as an efficient treatment modality to achieve a graft‐versus‐leukemia effect in persisting or relapsing residual leukemic disease. Safety considerations dictate the need for equipping the transferred cells with a conditional suicide mechanism to eliminate donor T cells when graft‐versus‐host disease occurs. We have examined in a model system using HeLa cells whether doxycycline (dox)‐dependent expression of pro‐apoptotic proteins could be used as a potential new strategy for conditional cell elimination.MethodsFour constructs encoding pro‐apoptotic proteins were tested in transient transfections to identify suitable cell death inducers. Murine caspase‐2 placed under Tet‐control was chosen for stable transfection into cell lines carrying different dox‐dependent transregulators. The efficiency of cell death induction and the expression patterns of caspase‐2 were analyzed in the respective clones.ResultsDifferent levels of induced cell death were obtained depending on the properties of the transregulators used to control target gene expression. High expression levels of caspase‐2 in the presence of dox were required to achieve efficient induction of cell death, while tight repression in the absence of inducer was not necessary for cell survival. Dox treatment for 48 h resulted in 94% cell death indicating a very efficient conditional suicide mechanism.ConclusionsWe propose that the principle of using pro‐apoptotic cellular proteins placed under appropriate dox‐dependent regulation may represent an alternative conditional suicide mechanism to the frequently used herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV‐TK)/ganciclovir‐system, which harbors immunological and toxicological risks. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial and temporal control of transgene expression in vivo using a heat‐sensitive promoter and MRI‐guided focused ultrasound
Authors: Guilhon E. , Voisin P. , de Zwart J. A. , Quesson B. , Salomir R. , Maurange C. , Bouchaud V. , Smirnov P. , de Verneuil H. , Vekris A. , Canioni P. , Moonen C. T. W. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractBackgroundAmong the techniques used to induce and control gene expression, a non‐invasive, physical approach based on local heat in combination with a heat‐sensitive promoter represents a promising alternative but requires accurate temperature control in vivo. MRI‐guided focused ultrasound (MRI‐FUS) with real‐time feedback control allows automatic execution of a predefined temperature‐time trajectory. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate temporal and spatial control of transgene expression based on a well‐defined local hyperthermia generated by MRI‐FUS.MethodsExpression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker gene was used. Two cell lines were derived from C6 glioma cells. The GFP expression of the first one is under the control of the CMV promoter, whereas it is under the control of the HSP70 promoter in the second one and thus inducible by heat. Subcutaneous tumours were generated by injection in immuno‐deficient mice and rats. Tumours were subjected to temperatures varying from 42 to 50 °C for 3 to 25 min controlled by MRI‐FUS and analyzed 24 h after the heat‐shock. Endogenous HSP70 expression and C6 cell distribution were also analyzed.ResultsThe results demonstrate strong expression at 50 °C applied during a short time period (3 min) without affecting cell viability. Induced expression was also clearly shown for temperature in the range 44–48 °C but not at 42 °C.ConclusionsHeating with MRI‐FUS allows a tight and non‐invasive control of transgene expression in a tumour. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategic advantages of insulin‐like growth factor‐I expression for cardioprotection
Authors: Chao Wei , Matsui Takashi , Novikov Mikhail S. , Tao Jingzang , Li Ling , Liu Heling , Ahn Youngkeun , Rosenzweig Anthony 
Published: April 2003

AbstractBackgroundInsulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) peptide has beneficial effects on cardiomyocyte function and survival, many of which are mediated through the serine‐threonine kinase, Akt. However, concerns about systemic effects of IGF‐I peptide limit its clinical application. The present study tested whether local IGF‐I expression could mediate cardioprotection without elevating serum [IGF‐I].MethodsThe ability of a recombinant adenovirus encoding IGF‐IB (Ad.IGF‐I) to activate Akt and protect cardiomyocytes from hypoxia‐induced apoptosis in vitro was compared with the effects of IGF‐I peptide or expression of constitutively active Akt (myr‐Akt). In vivo, cardiac IGF‐I gene transfer was performed prior to ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI). Effects on the ischemic and infarcted areas were assessed while serum [IGF‐I] was measured by radioimmunoassay.ResultsCompared with IGF‐I peptide, Ad.IGF‐I achieved more sustained activation of Akt and reduced hypoxia‐induced apoptosis at lower media IGF‐I concentrations. In a co‐culture system, Ad.IGF‐I protected both infected and uninfected cells from hypoxic injury, while myr‐Akt protected only infected cells. In vivo cardiac injection of Ad.IGF‐I mediated significant local IGF‐I expression, without affecting serum [IGF‐I] levels. After IRI, Ad.IGF‐I did not affect the ischemic area but reduced infarct size ∼50% (32 ± 13 vs. 64 ± 14% AAR in Ad.GFP rats, p < 0.003), although the transgene was expressed in only ∼15% of the ischemic region, consistent with possible paracrine benefit.ConclusionsSomatic gene transfer of IGF‐I may offer strategic advantages over both systemic delivery of IGF‐I peptide and expression of cell autonomous cardioprotective transgenes such as Akt by mediating autocrine and paracrine cardiomyocyte protection without elevating serum [IGF‐I] levels. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.