bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors related to acute hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Jartti P. , Karttunen A. , Jartti A. , Ukkola V. , Sajanti J. , Pyhtinen J. 
Published: May 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of the amount and distribution of blood on acute ventricular enlargement in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Material and Methods: In a retrospective study, non‐contrast computed tomography (CT) images of 180 patients with aneurysmal SAH were analysed by two neuroradiologists. The amount and distribution of the hemorrhage were scored, and prospective hydrocephalus was identified on the basis of acute CT images by calculating the cella media index, by measuring the width of the third ventricle, and by visual impression. Statistical analysis was done using the logistic regression model, analysis of variance, and chi‐square test. Results: The incidence of acute hydrocephalus was higher among the patients with blood distributed in the anterior, lateral, and basal regions (70.8%) than among the patients who did not have blood distributed in all three areas ( P=0.010). The proportion of acute hydrocephalus differed depending on the type of hemorrhage ( P<0.001). Intraventricular hemorrhage was the most consistent predictive factor in the logistic regression model, while the other predictive factors included the total blood amount score and the volume of intracerebral hemorrhage. Conclusions: A positive correlation was found between acute hydrocephalus and the amount of subarachnoid and, more importantly, intraventricular blood. This is consistent with the literature and confirms the current pathophysiologic concepts that the acute hydrocephalus following SAH is an obstructive form of hydrocephalus.
Long‐term results after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms with the stentor and vanguard stent‐graft
Authors: Engellau L. , Albrechtsson U. , Norgren L. , Larsson E.‐M. 
Published: May 2004

Purpose: To present a single institution experience of long‐term results after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with the Stentor and Vanguard stent‐grafts. Material and Methods: Twenty‐three patients (20 men, 3 women; mean age 68 years, range 53–81 years) were included in this prospective study. A first generation nitinol stent‐graft (Stentor™) was used in 12 patients and a second generation (Vanguard™) in 11 patients. Follow‐up was performed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast‐enhanced MR angiography (CE MRA) at 1, 6, and 12 months, and thereafter annually (median follow‐up 3 years; range 8 months to 8 years). A conventional radiograph of the abdomen was also performed. Before secondary intervention the findings on MRI with CE MRA were confirmed with spiral computed tomography (CT) and/or angiography (DSA). Results: Only one patient (4%) had no complication. Endoleak was found in 15 patients (65%), graft migration in 8 (35%), and graft deformation in 18 (78%). Secondary endovascular repair was required in 7 patients (30%) and 7 (30%) were converted to open repair. Conclusion: Complications with the Stentor and Vanguard stent‐grafts were common. Long‐term follow‐up of endovascularly repaired AAA is mandatory.
Therapeutic impact of abdominopelvic computed tomography in patients with acute abdominal symptoms
Authors: Chambers A. , Halligan S. , Goh V. , Dhillon S. , Hassan A. 
Published: May 2004

Purpose: To determine the diagnostic and therapeutic impact of abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) in patients with acute abdominopelvic pain. Material and Methods: Referring clinicians completed pre‐CT and post‐CT questionnaires for 50 patients in whom CT had been requested because of acute abdominopelvic pain. Clinicians recorded their leading diagnosis, confidence in this, and intended management. Following CT, clinicians again recorded these responses in the light of CT findings. Responses pre‐CT and post‐CT were compared in order to determine diagnostic and therapeutic impact. Results: Diagnostic confidence rose significantly following CT (mean score 6.8 pre‐CT versus 8.3 post‐CT; P<0.0001). Intended management changed because of CT findings in 29 (58%) patients: 14 (28%) subjects whose intended management was surgical were treated medically and an additional 2 were transferred to gynecological care; 4 patients whose intended management was medical were treated surgically; 2 patients whose intended management was medical were treated by percutaneous drainage; a patient whose intended management was percutaneous drainage was treated by surgery. Of 6 patients with uncertain management pre‐CT, 2 were treated surgically and 4 medically. The leading diagnosis also changed as a consequence of CT in 7 (33%) of 21 patients in whom intended management did not alter. Conclusion: CT in patients with acute abdominopelvic pain has considerable diagnostic and therapeutic impact, altering management in 58% of patients studied. The major effect is to avert intended laparotomy.
Dose reduction in computed tomography by individualized scan protocols
Authors: Jangland L. , Sanner E. , Persliden J. 
Published: May 2004

Purpose: To find a method of adjusting the mAs‐value in relation to the size of the patient undergoing computed tomography (CT) examination as a means of minimizing the radiation dose to the patient. Material and Methods: A correction factor to be applied on the tube charge for each patient was calculated using two mathematical methods. This approach was tested on 4 Perspex phantoms of different sizes and geometries. Noise was measured in the images with and without use of the correction factors. Retrospectively, correction factors were calculated for 12 CT examinations of the abdomen and the dose reduction was estimated for these patient studies. Results: The variations in noise measured in the images of the different phantoms were dramatically reduced by both methods. The retrospectively performed patient study showed that the largest correction factor was 7 times greater than the smallest, which means that a dose reduction factor of 7 is possible in the extreme case. Conclusion: Our proposed methods of adjusting the applied tube charge (mAs‐value) in relation to the size of the patient can be used on the vast majority of CT systems. The potential for dose reduction is great, especially for small patients.
Computed tomography‐guided pulmonary nodule localization before thoracoscopic resection
Authors: Hänninen E. L. , Langrehr J. , Raakow R. , Röttgen R. , Schmidt S. , Pech M. , Ricke J. , Felix R. 
Published: May 2004

Purpose: To assess the success rate and complication rate of a CT‐guided pulmonary nodule‐marker system before thoracoscopic resection. Material and Methods: In 24 patients (15 M, 9 F; age range, 18–71 years) a total of 25 pulmonary nodules (in 1 patient 2 lesions simultaneously) were marked with a special wire under CT‐guidance and then thoracoscopically resected. We evaluated lesion size, lesion distance to the pleura, the time of intervention, complications, and thoracoscopic success rate. Results: Mean lesion size was 7 mm (range 4–15 mm) and mean lesional distance to the pleura was 13 mm (range 2–31 mm). The pulmonary nodule‐marker system was positioned successfully in all 25 pulmonary nodules within 5–11 min (mean 7.5 min). Minimal pneumothoraces were observed in five patients with no requirements of chest drains. In addition, no bleeding complications or hematothorax were observed. All 25 pulmonary nodules could be resected thoracoscopically. However, in one patient (4%), the guide‐wire dislocated during thoracoscopy, but the lesion could be successfully resected during thoracoscopy. Conclusion: The CT‐guided placement of the pulmonary nodule‐marker system used here offers a safe and accurate guide for the localization of small pulmonary nodules during thoracoscopic resection.
Usefulness of reversed display of soft‐copy abdominal radiographs for urinary calculi detection
Authors: Kang S.‐S. , Kim J. K. , Ryu J.‐A. , Choi N. , Bae S.‐J. , Kim B. 
Published: May 2004

Purpose: To determine the usefulness of reversed display of soft‐copy abdominal radiographs for urinary calculi detection. Material and Methods: Sixty radiographs with a single urinary calculus less than 5 mm in the long diameter (15 in the kidney; 15 in the proximal ureter; 15 in the mid‐ureter, 15 in the distal ureter) and 15 radiographs without calculi were evaluated. Four readers blinded to the presence or absence of urinary calculi on each radiograph reviewed the radiographs in the conventional display, reversed display, and combination of conventional and reversed displays at 1‐week intervals. All images were evaluated in random order and the presence or absence of urinary calculi was interpreted using the confidence score from 1 to 5. Results: Multireader analysis for calculi in all locations showed a greater area under the receiver operating curve for combination of the two displays (0.764) than for the conventional display alone (0.655) ( P=0.031). In the single‐reader analysis for calculi in all locations, the third reader showed a greater area under the receiver operating curve for the reversed display (0.784) than for the conventional display (0.622) ( P=0.027). Multireader analysis of the calculi in the kidney showed a greater area under the receiver operating curve for combination of the two displays (0.824) than for the conventional display alone (0.703) ( P=0.043). Conclusion: The reversed display of soft‐copy abdominal radiographs may be useful for urinary calculi detection.
Multicenter evaluation of a new laser guidance system for computed tomography intervention
Authors: Brabrand K. , AaløKKen T. M. , Krombach G. A. , Günther R. W. , Tariq R. , Magnusson A. , Lindgren P.‐G. 
Published: May 2004

Purpose: To measure the accuracy of laser‐guided punctures and to evaluate the usefulness of the developed laser‐guided system. Material and Methods: The study included 67 patients referred for computed‐tomography‐guided puncture. The majority of the punctured lesions were located in the chest (28 patients) or abdomen (19 patients). The mean diameter of the lesion was 3.1 cm, and the mean path length was 6.8 cm. The laser guide was movable along a horizontal or vertical rail and not physically connected to the CT unit. The angle of insertion was entered manually into the display of the unit by the interventional radiologist. A prospective multicenter trial was carried out. Results: A mean of 1.1 needle passes were necessary to reach the target, and in 55 (84.6%) of the patients the target was reached on the first needle pass. The mean deviation of the needle from the preselected angle was 1.8°. The mean targeting time (from the initial localizing scan until the needle was in the target) was 15.6 min. In every case, both the usefulness and the ease of use of the laser guidance system were subjectively evaluated on a 5‐point scale; the mean usefulness score was 4.5, while the mean ease of use score was 4.7. Conclusion: Different users at four different centers found the laser guidance system useful and easy to use. A high level of accuracy of the puncture angle was obtained in most cases.
Constitution or Conflict?
Authors: Grossman Herschel I. 
Published: May 2004

Constitutional resolution of disputes between constituent groups of a polity avoids the incremental costs of civil conflict. But, the political process prescribed by a constitution provides a viable alternative to civil conflict only if the constitution is self-enforcing. Theoretical analysis reveals that the following properties help to make it possible to design a self-enforcing constitution that can settle recurring disputes: • No party to the disputes has a big advantage in civil conflict. • The parties to the disputes expect the incremental costs of civil conflict to be large relative to the importance of the disputes that arise between them. • The parties are greatly concerned about the future consequences of their current actions. Theoretical analysis also reveals that a self-enforcing constitution can require limitations on the prerogatives of winners of constitutional contests such that on average outcomes under the constitution are not too favorable to any one party and such that the outcome of each constitutional contest does not matter too much. The paper concludes with historical examples that illustrate the broad applicability of the theoretical analysis.
Interleukin (IL)‐1 gene polymorphisms: relevance of disease severity associated alleles with IL‐1β and IL‐1ra production in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Schrijver Hans M. , van As Jaco , Crusius J. Bart A. , Dijkstra Christien D. , Uitdehaag Bernard M. J. 
Published: May 2004

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder, with a considerable genetic influence on susceptibility and disease course. Cytokines play an important role in MS pathophysiology, and genes encoding various cytokines are logical candidates to assess possible associations with MS susceptibility and disease course. We previously reported an association of a combination of polymorphisms in the interleukin (IL)‐1B and IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL − 1RN) genes (i.e. IL − 1RN allele 2 + /IL − 1B+3959allele 2−) with disease severity in MS. Extending this observation, we investigated whether IL‐1β and IL‐1ra production differed depending on carriership of this gene combination.Methods: Twenty MS patients and 20 controls were selected based upon carriership of the specific combination. In whole blood, in vitro IL‐1β and IL‐1ra production was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent‐assay after 6 and 24 h of stimulation with lipopolysaccharide.Results: Carriers of the specific combination produced more IL‐1ra, especially in MS patients, although not significantly. IL‐1ra production was significantly higher in individuals homozygous for IL − 1RN allele 2. In patients, Il‐1ra production was higher and IL‐1β production lower compared with controls. In primary progressive patients, the IL‐1β /IL‐1ra ratio was significantly lower than in relapsing‐remitting patients.Conclusion: Our results suggest higher in vitro IL‐1ra production in carriers of IL − 1RN allele 2, with an indication of an allelic dose‐effect relationship.
Dexamethasone prevents granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor‐induced nuclear factor‐κB activation, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production in a skin dendritic cell line
Authors: Vital Ana Luísa , Gonçalo Margarida , Cruz M. Teresa , Figueiredo Américo , Duarte Carlos B. , Lopes M. Celeste 
Published: May 2004

Aims: Nitric oxide (NO) has been increasingly implicated in inflammatory skin diseases, namely in allergic contact dermatitis. In this work, we investigated the effect of dexamethasone on NO production induced by the epidermal cytokine granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) in a mouse fetal skin dendritic cell line.Methods: NO production was assessed by the method of Griess. Expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein was evaluated by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy. Western blot analysis was also performed to evaluate cytosolic IkappaB‐alpha (IκB‐α) protein levels. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to evaluate the activation or inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB).Results: GM‐CSF induced iNOS expression and NO production, and activated the transcription factor NF‐κB. Dexamethasone inhibited, in a dose‐dependent manner, NO production induced by GM‐CSF. Addition of dexamethasone to the culture, 30 min before GM‐CSF stimulation, significantly inhibited the cellular expression of iNOS. Dexamethasone also inhibited GM‐CSF‐induced NF‐κB activation by preventing a significant decrease on the IκB‐α protein levels, thus blocking NF‐κB migration to the nucleus.Conclusions: The corticosteroid dexamethasone inhibits GM‐CSF‐induced NF‐κB activation, iNOS protein expression and NO production. These results suggest that dexamethasone is a potent inhibitor of intracellular events that are involved on NO synthesis, in skin dendritic cells.
Signal transduction pathways in mast cell granule‐mediated endothelial cell activation
Authors: Chi Luqi , Stehno-bittel Lisa , Smirnova Irina , Stechschulte Daniel J , Dileepan Kottarappat N. 
Published: May 2004

Background: We have previously shown that incubation of human endothelial cells with mast cell granules results in potentiation of lipopolysaccharide‐induced production of interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8.Aims: The objective of the present study was to identify candidate molecules and signal transduction pathways involved in the synergy between mast cell granules and lipopolysaccharide on endothelial cell activation.Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with rat mast cell granules in the presence and absence of lipopolysaccharide, and IL‐6 production was quantified. The status of c‐Jun amino‐terminal kinase and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 activation, nuclear factor‐κB translocation and intracellular calcium levels were determined to identify the mechanism of synergy between mast cell granules and lipopolysaccaride.Results: Mast cell granules induced low levels of interleukin‐6 production by endothelial cells, and this effect was markedly enhanced by lipopolysaccharide. The results revealed that both serine proteases and histamine present in mast cell granules were involved in this activation process. Mast cell granules increased intracellular calcium, and activated c‐Jun amino‐terminal kinase and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2. The combination of lipopolysaccharide and mast cell granules prolonged c‐Jun amino‐terminal kinase activity beyond the duration of induction by either stimulant alone and was entirely due to active proteases. However, both proteases and histamine contributed to calcium mobilization and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 activation. The nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐κB proteins was of greater magnitude in endothelial cells treated with the combination of mast cell granules and lipopolysaccharide.Conclusions: Mast cell granule serine proteases and histamine can amplify lipopolysaccharide‐induced endothelial cell activation, which involves calcium mobilization, mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation and nuclear factor‐κB translocation.
Allergic diseases, drug adverse reactions and total immunoglobulin E levels in lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Wozniacka Anna , Sysa-Jedrzejowska Anna , Robak Ewa , Samochocki Zbigniew , Zak-Prelich Malgorzata 
Published: May 2004

Background: The association of allergic diseases, drug adverse reactions and elevated total immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration in systemic lupus erythematosus patients remains controversial. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of those features in active and inactive systemic lupus erythematosus patients, and in the control group as well.Methods: Total IgE concentration was evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assayResults and conclusions: The results of our study revealed that concomitant allergic diseases were not more frequent in systemic lupus erythematosus patients than in the general population. Total IgE concentration was significantly higher during the active stage of the disease. Drug reactions were very frequent but not connected with IgE elevation. Our results indicate that IgE may play a role in lupus pathogenesis, especially in the active phase of the disease.
No evidence for a putative involvement of platelet‐activating factor in systemic lupus erythematosus without active nephritis
Authors: Denizot Yves , Liozon Eric , Guglielmi Laurence , Ly Kim , Soria Pascale , Loustaud Véronique , Vidal Elisabeth , Jauberteau Marie Odile 
Published: May 2004

Background: Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) seems to be implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with associated renal diseases.Aims: In this study, we ensured the role of PAF in SLE patients without renal complications.Methods: Blood PAF and acetylhydrolase activity, plasma soluble phospholipase A2, and the presence of antibodies against PAF were investigated in 17 SLE patients without active nephritis and in 17 healthy controls.Results: Blood PAF levels were not different (P = 0.45) between SLE patients (6.7±2.8 pg/ml) and healthy subjects (9.6±3.1 pg/ml). Plasma acetylhydrolase activity (the PAF‐degrading enzyme) was significantly (P = 0.03) elevated in SLE patients (57.8±6.4 nmol/min/ml) as compared with controls (37.9±2.6 nmol/min/ml). Plasma soluble phospholipase A2 (the key enzyme for PAF formation) was not different (P = 0.6) between SLE patients (59.1±5.1 U/ml) and controls (54.7±2.4 U/ml). Antibodies against PAF were detected only in 3/17 SLE patients. Flow cytometry analysis did not highlight PAF receptors on circulating leukocytes of SLE patients.Conclusion: This clinical study highlights no evidence for a putative important role of PAF in SLE patients without active nephritis.
Serum levels of soluble CD30 in adult patients affected by atopic dermatitis and its relation to age, duration of disease and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis index
Authors: Di Lorenzo Gabriele , Gangemi Sebastiano , Merendino Rosaria Alba , Minciullo Paola Lucia , Cannavò Serafina Paola , Martinelli Nicola , Mansueto Pasquale , Rini Giovanni Battista , Corrocher Roberto , Pacor Maria Luisa 
Published: May 2004

The value of CD30 and the soluble circulating fragment of CD30 (sCD30) for atopic dermatitis (AD) remains unclear. In particular, little is known about the effects of age, duration of disease and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis index (SCORAD) on the levels of serum sCD30 in patients affected by AD. In the present study, we have analysed serum sCD30 levels of adult patients affected by AD. The study′s population includes 18 non‐smoking outpatients, with a diagnosis of AD. As a control group we studied 18 non‐atopic subjects from laboratory staff, matched for sex and age. These subjects had no history of AD, urticaria or seasonal or perennial rhinitis or asthma, and had negative skin prick test to a panel of allergens.The sCD30 serum levels were clearly higher in patients affected by AD (14.2±9.0 IU/ml) than in healthy subjects (1.2±0.8 IU/ml) (P < 0.001). No differences were observed between males and females affected by atopic dermatitis, regarding age, duration of disease and SCORAD. Significant correlations were found between serum levels of sCD30 levels and age (r = −0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) for r (Fisher′s z transformed)=−0.81 to −0.12;P = 0.01), duration of the disease (months) (r = −0.64; 95% CI for r (Fisher′s z transformed)=−0.85 to −0.24; P = 0.004) and SCORAD r = −0.74; 95% CI for r (Fisher′s z transformed)=−0.89 to −0.42; P = 0.004).As demonstrated by the close correlation with age, duration of disease and SCORAD, serum levels of sCD30 appear to be an additional marker for the follow‐up of AD.
Fascist censorship on literature and the case of Elio Vittorini
Authors: Bonsaver Guido 
Published: May 2004

SummaryThis article tackles the issue of literary censorship in Fascist Italy. The first part offers an outline of the organization and the practices with which the regime attempted to control publishers and authors. It tracks the development of Mussolini's Press Office into a fully fledged ministry, examines the introduction of a semi-preventive form of censorship, and looks at the effects of the anti-Semitic laws. The second part concentrates on the literary activities of the novelist, editor and translator, Elio Vittorini. His many encounters with Fascist censorship provide ideal subject matter for a close examination of how censorship affected literary production. It also provides an example of the need to re-address aspects of Italy's literary history during the Fascist period, particularly in relation to questions of coercive and consensual collaboration with the regime.