bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exclusive Surgery versus Postoperative Radiotherapy for Supraglottic Cancer
Authors: Esposito Erik , Motta Sergio , Motta Gaetano 
Published: April 2003

<i>Aim of the Study:</i> To verify the effectiveness of prophylactic postoperative radiotherapy for supraglottic cancer. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> 97 patients underwent supraglottic horizontal laryngectomy with bilateral neck dissection: 35 patients (group A) received postoperative radiotherapy (60–70 Gy, 2 Gy fractions daily); 62 patients (group B) received only surgery. <i>Results:</i> Overall 5-year actuarial survival and corrected actuarial survival rates were 74 and 90% in group A and 61 and 80% in group B (p = 0.2 and 0.4, respectively). As for tumor extent, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. In N0 patients overall actuarial survival rate was significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (p = 0.01); most likely this difference was due to errors in clinical staging for the presence of reactive lymphadenitis and micrometastases. <i>Conclusions:</i> The present study did not document the effectiveness of postoperative radiotherapy. Radiation therapy should be avoided in those patients in whom surgery was proven to be curative while it could be considered in combination with surgery when the resection margins are dubious and/or inadequate.
Naphazoline-Induced Neuroendocrine Changes: Increases in ANP and cGMP Levels, but Suppression of NE, <sup>3</sup>H-NE, and cAMP Levels in Rabbit Eyes
Authors: Ogidigben Miller J. , Chu Teh-Ching , Potter David E. 
Published: April 2003

The objective of this study was to determine whether naphazoline, an alpha 2 (α<sub>2</sub>)/imidazoline (I<sub>1</sub>) agonist, can alter endogenous levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and norepinephrine (NE) in aqueous humor and cyclic nucleotide (cAMP, cGMP) accumulation and NE overflow inthe iris-ciliary body (ICB) of the rabbit eye. Topical naphazoline (25, 75, and 250 µg) caused a dose-dependent elevation of the ANP levels (36, 54, and 137 pg/ml, respectively) in aqueous humor. This effect was antagonized by pretreatment with efaroxan, an antagonist of I<sub>1</sub>/α<sub>2</sub> receptors. Another α<sub>2</sub>/I<sub>1</sub> agonist, moxonidine (75 µg topically), caused significant increases in ANP levels in aqueous humor, whereas other relatively selective α<sub>2</sub>-adrenergic receptor agonists, brimonidine (50 µg topically) and oxymetazoline (75 µg topically), did not. In naphazoline (75 µg) pretreated eyes, the NE levels in aqueous humor were attenuated by 36% (from 6.0 to 3.8 pg/ml). Furthermore, naphazoline (1, 10, and 100 µmol/l) caused a dose-related inhibition of NE release from ICBs: 25, 45, and 80%, respectively. The isoproterenol (1 µmol/l) stimulated cAMP accumulation was inhibited 53% by naphazoline (100 µmol/l). In contrast, naphazoline significantly increased the cGMP levels in ICBs. These data demonstrate that naphazoline acts on I<sub>1</sub> receptors to increase ANP and to reduce NE levels in aqueous humor. The former effect could also contribute to elevation of cGMP levels and inhibition of cAMP accumulation in the ICB. Further studies will be required to determine if elevation of ANP levels is a critical component of naphazoline-induced alteration of aqueous humor dynamics.
Combination Gemcitabine and Docetaxel Therapy in Advanced Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
Authors: Sherman William H. , Fine Robert L. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To determine the clinical and laboratory response rate of a gemcitabine and docetaxel combination in human adenocarcinoma of the pancreas in vitro and in vivo. <i>Methods:</i> Fifteen patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer were treated with gemcitabine, 900 mg/m<sup>2</sup>, and docetaxel, 90 mg/m<sup>2</sup>, every 3 weeks. Two human pancreatic cancer lines were tested in MTT assays for their response to titrations of gemcitabine and/or docetaxel at different time points and scheduling for biochemical synergy or additional antitumor effects. <i>Results:</i> In vitro testing showed that these two agents were minimally effective alone but when combined, they displayed additional biochemical antiproliferative effects in MTT assays. With intent-to-treat analysis of all 15 patients, 4 patients (27%) achieved an objective response by CT scan, including one complete response. Seven patients (47%) had subjective improvement and decreased serum marker levels of CA 19-9. None of the 12 patients without prior therapy developed nadir white blood cell counts below 1,000/mm<sup>3</sup>; 2 of 3 patients with prior radiation therapy developed nadir white blood cell counts below 1,000/mm<sup>3</sup>. <i>Conclusion:</i> This regimen is well tolerated and appears to have a significant objective response rate. Gemcitabine and docetaxel antitumor effects are additive in vitro, which may help to explain the response rate.
Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Cadherin and Catenin Expression in Early Gastric Carcinomas: Correlation with Clinicopathologic Characteristics and <i>Helicobacter pylori </i>Infection
Authors: Shun Chia-Tung , Wu Ming-Shiang , Lin Min-Tsan , Chang Ming-Chu , Lin Jaw-Town , Chuang Sou-Ming 
Published: April 2003

Dysfunction of E-cadherin and catenin has been linked to invasiveness and differentiation of tumors. This study aimed to characterize the expression of cadherins and catenins in early gastric carcinoma and their relationship to clinicopathologic characteristics and <i>Helicobacter pylori </i>infection. E-cadherin and α-, β- and γ-catenins were strongly expressed in normal epithelium but abnormal immunoreactivity of at least one of these four proteins was noted in 48 (90.6%) of 53 early gastric carcinomas. Only 5 cases with intestinal-type tumors had intact expression of E-cadherin and α-, β-, and γ-catenins. Abnormal immunoreactivity in the tumor tissue was observed in 18 patients (34.0%) for E-cadherin, in 35 (66.0%) for α-catenin, in 20 (37.7%) for β-catenin, and in 37 (69.8%) for γ-catenin. In diffuse-type tumors, abnormal expression of E-cadherin (60.9 vs. 13.3%, p < 0.0005), α-catenin (82.6 vs. 53.3%, p < 0.05) and γ-catenin (91.3 vs. 53.3%, p < 0.005) was more frequent than in the intestinal type. Ten tumors with lymph node metastasis showed a relatively higher frequency of abnormal expression of E-cadherin (70 vs. 25.6%, p < 0.05) but a lower frequency of abnormal expression of β-catenin (10 vs. 44.1%, p = 0.07) than those without metastasis. No significant association was found between cadherin/catenin expression and the depth of invasion or the <i>H. pylori</i> status. It was concluded that abnormal expression of E-cadherin and the catenin-mediated cell-cell adhesion system occurs frequently in early gastric carcinogenesis and may play an important role in the genesis of histologic differentiation and in the mode of metastasis of early gastric carcinomas.
Mapping the distribution of the telomeric sequence (T<sub>2</sub>AG<sub>3</sub>)<sub>n</sub> in rock wallabies, <i>Petrogale</i> (Marsupialia: Macropodidae), by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Metcalfe C.J. , Eldridge M.D.B. , Johnston P.G. 
Published: April 2003

The distribution of the conserved vertebrate telomeric sequence (T<sub>2</sub>AG<sub>3</sub>)<sub>n</sub> was examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization in the six <i>Petrogale</i> (rock wallabies) taxa of the <i>lateralis</i> complex. As expected, the (T<sub>2</sub>AG<sub>3</sub>)<sub>n</sub> sequence was located at the termini of all chromosomes in all taxa. However, the sequence was also present at several nontelomeric (viz., interstitial and centromeric) sites. The signals identified were associated with either ancient rearrangements involved with the formation of the 2n = 22 plesiomorphic macropodine karyotype or more recent rearrangements associated with karyotypes derived from the 2n = 22 karyotype. Interstitial (T<sub>2</sub>AG<sub>3</sub>)<sub>n</sub> signals identified on chromosomes 3 and 4 in all six species of the <i>lateralis</i> complex and a large centromeric signal identified on chromosome 7 in the five subspecies/races of <i>P. lateralis</i> appear to be related to the more ancient rearrangements. Subsequent chromosome evolution has seen these signals retained, lost, or amplified in different <i>Petrogale</i> lineages. Within the <i>lateralis</i> complex, in two submetacentric chromosome derived by recent centric fusions, the telomeric sequence was identified at or near the centromere, indicating its retention during the fusion process. In the two taxa where chromosome 3 was rearranged via a recent centromeric transposition to become an acrocentric chromosome, the telomeric signal was located interstitially.
Infantile Multiple Ingrowing Nails of the Fingers Induced by the GraspReflex – A New Entity
Authors: Matsui Tamano , Kidou Masato , Ono Tomomichi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> A new clinical entity of ingrowing fingernail of infants, which was associated with the grasp reflex, was found. <i>Objective:</i> To define this new disease. <i>Methods:</i> We encountered 26 cases of this disease between 1984 and 1996. We describe the clinical features of this new disease. <i>Results:</i> The median age of the cases was 1 month (from 6 days to 4 months). The main findings were multiple and bilateral paronychia of the fingernails. This disease was observed in some babies only when they had the grasp reflex. <i>Conclusions:</i> The repeated compression of the nail due to the grasp reflex caused the soft tissue swelling at the end of the nail to be penetrated by the edge of the nail plate.
Effect of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment in Boys with Central Precocious Puberty: Final Height Results
Authors: Mul D. , Bertelloni S. , Carel J.-C. , Saggese G. , Chaussain J.L. , Oostdijk W. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> The small number of boys present in most studies on final height (FH) after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment for central precocious puberty (CPP) offers difficulties in the evaluation of the effects of treatment on FH in males. <i>Method:</i> We therefore combined FH data from The Netherlands, Italy and France to study the effect of GnRHa treatment in a large group of 26 boys with CPP. <i>Results:</i> The mean chronological age at the start of treatment was 7.6 ± 2.0 (SD) years, bone age (BA) was 11.0 ± 2.1 years. All boys were treated with depot formulations of the GnRHa triptorelin with established gonadal suppression for a mean treatment period of 4.7 ± 2.1 years. FH was 172.9 ± 6.6 cm. FH standard deviation score (SDS) was –0.66 ± 1.22, not significantly different from the target height SDS of –0.23 ± 0.75. FH-SDS was significantly lower in the subgroup of 12 patients with organic CPP compared to patients with idiopathic CPP (–1.34 ± 1.06 vs. –0.08 ± 1.06, respectively; p = 0.01), but no difference in height gain was observed. The mean estimated height gain, defined as the difference between predicted and actual adult height was 6.2 ± 8.7 cm using the average tables of Bayley and Pinneau, and 0.3 ± 8.6 cm using the BA advance adjusted tables. Regional differences in height gain were observed between the different countries, reflecting different local practices. <i>Conclusion:</i> We conclude that GnRHa treatment in boys results in a FH close to target height.
Effects of Sex Hormones and Their Balance on the Proliferation of Rat Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Wu Saizhu , Wei Heming , Zhou Kexiang , Ruan Yunjun , Lai Wenyan 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To investigate the adjustment of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone on the proliferation of female and male rat vascular endothelial cells (VECs) separately. <i>Methods:</i> Rat lung VECs were cultured according to the block explanting method. MTT assay was used to measure the proliferation of VECs. <i>Results:</i> 17β-Estradiol (E<sub>2</sub>) at 3 × 10<sup>–8</sup> and 3 × 10<sup>–7</sup> <i>M</i> accelerated the proliferation of female rat VECs (p < 0.01). E<sub>2</sub> at 3 × 10<sup>–9</sup>, 3 × 10<sup>–8</sup> and 3 × 10<sup>–7</sup> <i>M</i> accelerated the proliferation of male rat VECs (p < 0.05). Tamoxifen, the estrogen receptor antagonist, could block the effect of estrogen on the proliferation of VECs. Testosterone at 3 × 10<sup>–8</sup> and 3 × 10<sup>–7</sup> <i>M</i> significantly increased the proliferation of male rat VECs (p < 0.05), but had no effect on female rat VECs. Progesterone at 10<sup>–9</sup> and 10<sup>–8</sup> <i>M</i> had no effect on female rat VECs alone. When the ratio of E<sub>2</sub> to progesterone was 3/10, the proliferation of female rat VECs was accelerated (p < 0.05). When the ratio of E<sub>2</sub> to testosterone was 1/1, the proliferation of female rat VECs was also hastened (p < 0.05). However, when the ratio was reduced to 1/100, the hastening effect disappeared. <i>Conclusion:</i> Estrogen can speed up the proliferation of female and male rat VECs, while progesterone has no effect on female rat VECs alone. The balance of the ratio of E<sub>2</sub> to testosterone, E<sub>2</sub> to progesterone may play an important role in the proliferation of female rat VECs.
Circulating Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Production during the Progression of Rat Endotoxic Sepsis
Authors: Xuan Dawei , Nicolau David P. , Nightingale Charles H. , Quintiliani Richard 
Published: April 2003

The endotoxin-mediated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induction was investigated in a rat endotoxin septic shock model. Rats were challenged intravenously with lethal doses of endotoxin. Circulating endotoxin and TNF-α concentrations were measured over various times following endotoxin administration. A derivative of human immunoglobulin G, 5S-IgG, was administered at various times relative to endotoxin dosing to test its anti-endotoxin activity. Results showed that endotoxin challenge initiated substantial amounts of TNF-α release into the rat circulatory system leading to death. A temporal pattern of TNF-α increases following endotoxin administration was observed; the rat plasma TNF-α level rapidly increased 60 min after endotoxin injection, peaked around 120 min and returned to low levels by 240 min. A rapid clearance pattern of endotoxin was also observed in rats. 5S-IgG exhibited its moderate anti-endotoxin activity by partially suppressing the endotoxin-mediated TNF-α release and decreasing the overall mortality only when given before triggering of TNF-α induction. However, this inhibitory effect of 5S-IgG on endotoxin-mediated TNF-α release and the resultant protective effect against endotoxin lethality rapidly diminished when 5S-IgG was administered after the occurrence of TNF-α induction. Collectively, these results suggest that the timing of the anti-endotoxin treatment is critical in achieving its effectiveness and imply that the endotoxin levels after the onset of the cytokine cascade is of questionable significance.
Mean Platelet Volume and Coronary Heart Disease in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Henning Bernard F. , Zidek Walter , Linder Bertolt , Tepel Martin 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Mean platelet volume (MPV) has been shown to be an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction in the general population. <i>Methods:</i> In the present cross-sectional study it was examined whether MPV may be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients in chronic hemodialysis treatment (n = 518). CHD was diagnosed if there was a history of myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, or critical stenosis on coronary angiography. <i>Results:</i> Mean platelet volume in hemodialysis patients was 8.22 ± 0.06 fl. As compared with hemodialysis patients with a MPV <7.168 fl (the lower quintile limit), significantly more hemodialysis patients with a MPV >9.172 fl (the upper quintile limit) had CHD (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.64). In a stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis MPV appeared to be an independent factor of CHD together with age, smoking, predialysis systolic blood pressure and serum triglyceride concentration. In a stepwise multiple linear regression model, MPV significantly depended on platelet count, volume of ultrafiltrate removed in one hemodialysis session, white blood cell count, treatment with beta blockers, heart rate, serum sodium and serum potassium concentrations. Additional measurements in 30 patients showed that MPV after a single hemodialysis session was not significantly different compared to predialysis values. <i>Conclusion:</i> From the present study it is concluded that MPV may be associated with CHD in hemodialysis patients.
Diagnosis and Severity of Asthma in the Elderly: Results of a Large Survey in 1,485 Asthmatics Recruited by Lung Specialists
Authors: Zureik Mahmoud , Orehek Jean 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Despite its high prevalence, epidemiological surveys on the diagnosis and severity of asthma in the elderly are seldom. <i>Objective: </i>The objectives of our study were: (i) to describe the criteria, used by French lung physicians, for the diagnosis of asthma in the elderly (age ≧ 65 years); (2) to investigate whether the age at the onset of asthma is related to the severity of asthma in the elderly. <i>Methods:</i> 1,485 asthmatics (783 men and 702 women; mean age ± SD = 73.2 ± 6.0 years) were included in this descriptive survey. They were recruited by 379 lung specialists who filled in standardized questionnaire. <i>Results:</i> 56% of men and 10% of women (p < 0.001) were smokers or ex-smokers FEV<sub>1</sub>/VC was significantly lower in men than in women (60.6 ± 16.1 versus 66.1 ± 16.9%; p < 0.001). Diagnostic criteria of asthma were both clinical and functional in 89% of cases. Bronchospasm reversibility was tested with inhaled β<sub>2</sub>-agonists (89%) and/or oral corticotherapy (36%). Asthma had been diagnosed before the age of 20 years in 10.4% of the patients, between 20 and 50 years in 28.3%, between 51 and 65 years in 38.1%, and after the age of 65 years in 23.2%. Higher FEV<sub>1</sub> % of theoretical values and higher FEV<sub>1</sub>/VC were observed in subjects with late-onset asthma. The mean of FEV<sub>1</sub> % of theoretical values was 58.1 ± 19.5% in subjects with asthma diagnosis before the age of 20 years, 60.5 ± 20.4% in those with asthma diagnosis between the age of 20 and 50 years, 62.5 ± 19.4% in those with asthma diagnosis between the age of 50 and 65 years, and 67.1 ± 21.4% in those with asthma diagnosis after the age of 65 years (p < 0.001). The mean number of drugs taken was significantly lower (2.2 ± 0.4) in late-onset asthma than in early-onset asthma (2.8 ± 0.1; p < 0.001). <i>Conclusions:</i> This study suggests that the severity of asthma may depend on age at the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent the adverse consequences of persistent asthma.
Axial Length Measurements after Cataract Surgery in Adults
Authors: Lesiewska-Junk Hanna , Malukiewicz-Wiśniewska Grażyna 
Published: April 2003

The purpose of the study was to check the difference in eye axial length before and after cataract surgery and to find out the possible correlation with refraction changes. The axial length was measured by ultrasound before and after cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation. Keratometry measurements were also performed. The study comprised 32 eyes. The mean difference in axial length was 0.53 mm. The mean difference in keratometry was 0.37 D. There was no correlation between these values. <i>Conclusion:</i> The changes in axial length are not due to corneal curve changes. Perhaps in pseudophakic eyes different ultrasound velocity should be used.
Outcome of Penetrating Keratoplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Pleyer Uwe , Bertelmann Eckart , Rieck Peter , Hartmann Christian 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Keratolysis in rheumatoid arthritis is a well-known disorder that may rapidly destroy the entire corneal stroma, resulting in descemetocele formation and eventually corneal perforation. The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical and functional results of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in these patients. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> We reviewed the charts of patients having undergone PK over a 5-year period and evaluated the outcome. In 16 eyes of 15 patients, PKs were performed (graft diameter 3.0–11.0 mm) because of corneal melting with perforation or descemetocele formation. In 9 eyes, we used topical cyclosporine A (2%) as an adjunct therapy after transplantation in addition to systemic immunosuppressive agents. <i>Results:</i> Following a mean follow-up time of 17 months, anatomical success could be achieved in all eyes; none of the eyes underwent enucleation or evisceration. Postoperative complications following the first PK were epithelial keratopathy in 8 eyes (50%), corneal ulceration in 5 eyes (31%), fistulation in 4 eyes (25%), suture loosing in 4 eyes (25%) and graft rejection in 2 eyes (13%). Additionally 5 regrafts were required because of recurrence of corneal melting or persistent deep stromal defects. Comparison of complications of the patients receiving topical cyclosporine A to the control group showed a statistically significant lower incidence of epithelial keratopathy (p < 0.025) and ulcer recurrence in the cyclosporine A group during the first 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). The final best corrected visual acuity was 20/40 in 4 eyes but was limited to 20/200 or less in 7 eyes. <i>Conclusion:</i> Whereas PK can be successful to restore the anatomical integrity of severely altered eyes, the high prevalence of complications limits the indication for PK as a last stage procedure when other methods of management have failed. The use of topical cyclosporine A as adjunct therapy needs further evaluation.
A Pilot Trial of Combination Cisplatin, 5-Fluorouracil and Interferon-α in the Treatment of Advanced Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Bazarbashi Shouki , Rahal Mohammed , Raja Madras A. , El Weshi Amr , Pai Chandrashekar , Ezzat Adnan , Ajarim Dahish , Memon Mohammed , Al Fadda Mohammed 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Objectives:</i> Based on the synergistic effect between cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and between 5-FU and interferon-α, we conducted a trial to assess the response rate and toxicity of the combination of cisplatin, 5-FU and interferon-α in patients with advanced esophageal cancer. <i>Methods:</i> Patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus were eligible. No prior chemotherapy or interferon were allowed. Patients received cisplatin 80 mg/m<sup>2</sup> on day 1, 5-FU 750 mg/m<sup>2</sup>/day by continuous intravenous infusion for 5 days, and interferon-α 5 × 10<sup>6</sup> units/m<sup>2</sup>/day by subcutaneous injection on days 1–5 of each cycle. Cycles were repeated every 21 days for a total of 6 cycles. <i>Results:</i> Forty patients were enrolled. Median age was 57.5 years (range 30–70). 33 had squamous carcinoma and 7 adenocarcinoma; 15 were male; the locoregional metastatic ratio was 1:39; median ECOG performance status was 2 (range 1–3). Grade 3–4 toxicities were: leukopenia (9 cases), thrombocytopenia (4), electrolyte imbalance (11), febrile neutropenia (11), vomitting (5), diarrhea (4), and mucositis (11). There were 3 early deaths, most probably related to therapy. Five patients (13%) achieved a complete response and 17 (42%) achieved a partial response, yielding an overall response rate of 55%. Response rates for squamous and adeno histology were 61% and 29%, respectively. Median survival was 6.4 months. <i>Conclusion:</i> The combination of cisplatin, 5-FU and interferon-α produces a high response rate in advanced squamous cell esophageal carcinoma, but with considerable toxicity. A modified combination of the above agents is presently being evaluated at our institution.