bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Both fasting‐induced leptin reduction and GH increase are blunted in Cushing's syndrome and in simple obesity
Authors: Grottoli S. , Gauna C. , Tassone F. , Aimaretti G. , Corneli G. , Wu Z. , Strasburger C. J. , Dieguez C. , Casanueva F. F. , Ghigo E. , Maccario M. 
Published: March 2003

Summarybackground  Simple obesity and Cushing's syndrome (CS) are two clinical models of leptin hypersecretion coupled with GH hyposecretion. Fasting inhibits leptin while stimulating GH secretion in normal human subjects.objectives  To clarify the effect of fasting on leptin and GH secretion in obesity and CS.patients and protocol  We studied six women with CS [age 17–66 years; body mass index (BMI) 28·6 kg/m2], seven women with visceral obesity (OB; 20–41 years; BMI 42·9 kg/m2) and seven normal women (NS; 25–31 years; BMI 19·3 kg/m2). The effects of 36‐h fasting on 8‐h diurnal mean leptin, GH, insulin and glucose concentrations (mLEPTc, mGHc, mINSc and mGLUc) as well as on the IGF/IGFBP system were studied.results  Before fasting, mLEPTc in OB and in CS were similar and both were higher (P < 0·01) than in NS. OB and CS showed similar mGHc, which were lower (P < 0·05) than in NS. Fasting induced a reduction in mLEPTc that was significant in NS and CS (P < 0·04) but not in OB. The mLEPTc in OB and CS after fasting remained higher (P < 0·05) than in NS. After fasting, OB and CS showed no increase in mGHc, although this clearly increased (P < 0·02) in NS. IGF‐I but not IGFBP‐3 levels decreased in all groups (P < 0·05). Fasting reduced mINSc and mGLUc while increasing IGFBP‐1 in all groups. After fasting, mINSc in OB and CS remained higher (P < 0·03) than in NS.conclusions  Short‐term fasting has less inhibitory effect on leptin and no stimulatory effect on GH secretion in patients with Cushing's syndrome as well as simple obesity. After fasting, insulin levels in hypercortisolaemic and also in obese patients remained higher than in normal subjects suggesting that hyperinsulinism could play a role in the altered response of leptin and GH to starvation in these conditions.
Hormone replacement therapy: current controversies
Authors: Davison Sonia , Davis Susan R. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryPostmenopausal hormonal therapy is used to manage the climacteric symptoms that impair the quality of life of a substantial number of women. The difficulty is achieving the desired effects with minimal side‐effects and no adverse health risks. Fundamental to this is understanding the physiology of oestrogen in women and the metabolism of the therapeutic compounds. Although the effects of oral oestrogen therapy have been studied extensively, there is insufficient evidence to assess adequately the independent effects of progestin use, other oestrogen compounds, differing doses and duration of treatment. We have reviewed some basic concepts of oestrogen physiology and how these relate to exogenous oestrogen administration, the risks of greatest concern, and the role of androgens and newer treatment alternatives.
Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (SPECT) during adenosine stress can be performed safely early on after thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Bouvier  , Höjer  , Hulting  , Ruiz  , Samad  , Jensen‐Urstad  
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy with Tc‐99 m sestamibi during adenosine stress in patients with recent thrombolytically treated myocardial infarction. Eighty‐four patients with thrombolytically treated myocardial infarction, 59 males and 25 females, aged 62·9 ± 8·4, were eligible for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy during adenosine provocation. Exclusion criteria for adenosine stress were hypotension, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac failure, pericarditis and atrioventricular block (AV block) II–III. Adenosine‐stress and resting myocardial perfusion scintigraphy was performed 2–5 days after thrombolysis. Scintigraphy at rest was done 24 h after the stress study.Sixty patients (71%) experienced some kind of side‐effects during adenosine infusion. The most frequent side‐effects were dyspnoea in 43/84 patients (51%) and unspecific chest discomfort in 26/84 patients (31%). During infusion, ST depressions or elevations on ECG were seen in 9 patients (11%), 5 of whom experienced atypical chest discomfort. Five patients (6%) described typical angina but none of them showed electrographic signs of myocardial ischaemia during infusion. Six patients (7%) developed transient AV block I–II. Reversible scintigraphic perfusion defects were seen in 67 patients (79%). No serious complications, such as death, reinfarction or severe arrhythmias, occurred during adenosine infusion or during a 3‐day clinical follow‐up period.In conclusion, MIBI‐SPECT during adenosine stress is a safe diagnostic method that can be performed in most patients early on after thrombolytically treated acute myocardial infarction. Side‐effects are common but benign, and not different from those seen in patients with chronic coronary artery disease.
Computerized analysing system using the active contour in ultrasound measurement of carotid artery intima‐media thickness
Authors: Schmidt‐Trucksäss Arno , Cheng Da‐chuan , Sandrock Markus , Schulte‐Mönting Jürgen , Rauramaa Rainer , Huonker Martin , Burkhardt Hans 
Published: March 2003

Background and purpose B‐mode measurement of the carotid intima‐media (IM) thickness (T) based on manual tracing (MT) procedures are dependent on the subjectivity of the reader and the existing automatic tracing procedures often fail to detect the IM boundaries accurately. The purpose of this study was to compare the tracing results of the IM boundaries of the carotid wall with a new automatic identification (AI) procedure, based on an active contour model, and computer‐assisted manual tracing (MT). Methods The detection of the IM boundaries was performed with both procedures in 126 ultrasound images [63 each of the common carotid artery (CCA) and carotid bulb] along the far wall of the distal CCA and the carotid bulb. Intra‐ and inter‐reader variability for mean and maximum IMT with AI and MT and accuracy of identification of both IM boundaries were evaluated. Results Using MT the intra‐ and inter‐reader variability amounted to 0·01–0·03 and 0·03–0·07 mm, respectively. The variability was slightly higher in the carotid bulb than in the CCA. Using AI the variability was almost eliminated. Mean and maximum IMT were measured systematically lower by AI compared with MT in all regions by 0·01 mm. The accuracy of identification was similar for both IM boundaries, but lower in the carotid bulb region than in the CCA. Conclusions The new AI procedure identifies both IM boundaries in the region of the far wall of the CCA and carotid bulb with high precision, and eliminates most of the intra‐ and inter‐reader variability of the IMT measurement using MT.
Iopromide one‐sample clearance as a measure of glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Hackstein Nils , Langheinrich Alexander C. , Rau Wigbert S. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The pharmacokinetics of iopromide were analysed using a two‐compartment model. The optimal point of time for blood withdrawal for calculation of a one‐sample clearance was determined. Methods: Plasma concentration of iodine was measured up to 8 h postinjection (p.i.) in 62 adult patients who received 120 ml iopromide for computed tomography (CT). A two exponential function was fitted by a weighted least error square method. As reference method, clearance was calculated from this function and the injected amount of iodine. Empirical parameters for calculation of one‐sample clearance were determined. This one‐sample clearance was compared with one‐sample clearance calculated according to formulas developed for Tc99m‐DTPA by Jacobsson as well as a two sample method. Results: Total distribution volume of iopromide was calculated as 0·242 Lkg−1± 5·9%. A high correlation of all one‐sample method and the two‐sample method with reference to clearance was found. Best estimation of iopromide plasma clearance was achieved by determining one‐sample clearance 270 or 285 min p. i. with SDy.x of 5·8 ml min–1. Conclusions: After administration of 120 ml iopromide, one‐sample plasma clearance can be calculated with low estimation error taking one blood sample at an appropriate time point. Late phase pharmacokinetics of iopromide found in the present study showed to be virtually identical to results published for iohexol and Tc99m‐DTPA.
Use of bile cytology for early diagnosis of complications in orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: CARRASCO  , SANCHEZ‐BUENO  , SOLA  , ROBLES  , RODRIGUEZ  , RAMIREZ  , LUJAN  , ACOSTA  , PARrILLA  
Published: March 2003

carrasco l., sanchez‐bueno f., sola j., robles r., rodriguez j. m., ramirez p., lujan j. a., acosta f. and parrilla p. (1998)Cytopathology9,406–414Use of bile cytology for early diagnosis of complications in orthotopic liver transplantationWe conducted a daily analysis of bile cellularity in 25 patients undergoing 29 orthotopic liver transplants (OLT) and correlated the cytological parameters with the clinical outcome of each patient. The 16 patients without complications only showed slides with cells during the first 4–5 postoperative days. The four patients with primary non‐function (PNF) of the graft had a high cell density up to the time of the retransplant, with a preponderance of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocytes (59.2%) and epithelial cells (29.2%). During the episodes of sepsis (n = 3) and rejection (n = 7) we noted the sudden appearance of high cellularity, almost exclusively PMN leucocytes (96.5%), and a preponderance of PMN leucocytes (84.2%) with appreciable percentages of mononuclear cells and macrophages as well as the early appearance of lymphoblasts in the rejection episodes. Our results show that bile cytology can be a useful method for diagnosing graft complications in liver transplantation.
The study of the process of fluid‐phase endocytosis in cervical squamous cells using fluorescent microspheres
Authors: Hew W. S. R. , Robertson A. J. , Ross P. , Hopwood D. 
Published: March 2003

The study of the process of fluid‐phase endocytosis in cervical squamous cells using fluorescent microspheresPhysiological processes in cervical squamous epithelium have not been extensively studied. Perhaps understandably, most of the research has concentrated on the pathology of the cervix, in particular dysplasia and malignancy. Fluid‐phase endocytosis is a physiological process which has been demonstrated to be important in understanding disease development at other squamous epithelial sites, e.g. oesophagus. In this study, we have demonstrated by a new methodology developed in our laboratory using fluorescent microspheres and flow cytometry that fluid‐phase endocytosis occurs in cervical squamous cells. The process has been shown to be dose‐ and time‐dependent. This novel approach provides a means to improve our understanding of the physiological functions of the cervix and may provide insight into the pathogenesis of cervical neoplastic and non‐neoplastic disease.
Comparison of transformation zone sampling rates— a potentially useful indicator of smear taker performance
Authors: Young W. 
Published: March 2003

Comparison of transformation zone sampling rates—a potentially useful indicator of smear taker performanceRetrospective analysis of 18555 routinely collected smears from women in the age range 20–50 years reveals that there is a statistically significant relationship between the overall transformation zone sampling rate achieved in general practice and the detection rates for cervical abnormality. Similar analysis comparing unsatisfactory smear rates with rates for the detection of abnormality demonstrates a negative correlation which fails to achieve statistical significance. Comparison of transformation zone sampling rates achieved by smear takers sending samples to the same laboratory is proposed as a potentially useful performance indicator for smear takers.
An alternative approach to the management dilemma of the mildly dyskaryotic smear based on audit of outcome
Authors: Ifaturoti O. O. , Lockwood S. , Etheridge M. , Ong P. S. , Rashid F. , Jones M. H. 
Published: March 2003

An alternative approach to the management dilemma of the mildly dyskaryotic smear based on audit of outcomeWe describe a study which takes an alternative approach to the management dilemma of the mildly dyskaryotic cervical smear. Two hundred and fifty women with a smear showing mild dyskaryosis were studied by auditing the clinical outcome as well as the cost. The cost of providing the colposcopy services during the index year was approximately £70 000 for an average size district general Hospital. The proportion of women managed by the current guidelines and avoiding colposcopy after a first mildly dyskaryotic smear was only 30%. The majority of patients will eventually have colposcopy despite a policy of cytological surveillance. The alternative approach, to offer colposcopy immediately after the first mildly dyskaryotic smear, would result in a small increase in cost for our unit, equivalent to one extra colposcopy patient per week.
Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of adrenal masses
Authors: Fassina A. S. , Borsato S. , Fedeli U. 
Published: March 2003

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of adrenal massesBetween 1992 and 1998 at the Pathology Section, Cytopathology Unit of the Department of Oncological and Surgical Sciences of the University of Padova, we performed one hundred and twelve FNACs of adrenal masses under radiological guidance and seven intraoperative scrape smears; histological follow‐up was available in 55 cases. Immediate on‐site assessment of smears revealed a satisfactory adequacy rate (92%). With a simple diagnostic tree, we have been able to classify all smears except one as benign or malignant correctly, (accuracy 97.6%), differentiation of primary tumours from metastatic depositions remaining the most difficult task. In our experience FNAC is a safe and accurate tool in the diagnostic characterization of adrenal masses.
Cytological grading of breast cancer in Giemsa‐stained fine needle aspiration smears
Authors: Škrbínc B. , Bábic A. , Cúfer T. , Us‐Krášovec M. 
Published: March 2003

Cytological grading of breast cancer in Giemsa‐stained fine needle aspiration smears A potential cytological nuclear grading based on a semi‐quantitative evaluation of three basic nuclear features, size of cell nuclei, anisonucleosis and the proportion of nucleoli‐containing‐nuclei, was tested on 74 Giemsa‐stained fine needle aspiration of breast smears for its reliability in establishing the malignant potential of breast cancer. The prognostic impact of DNA‐ploidy and S‐phase fraction was also assessed. A good correlation between the three basic nuclear features, DNA‐ploidy, S‐phase fraction, cytological nuclear grade and histological grade, was shown. Using the cytological nuclear grade proposed, correct classification of cases between low histological grade (HG I) and high histological grade (HG II + HG III) was achieved in 79.73%. A statistically significant difference in 5‐year survival rate was also observed between low malignancy grade and high malignancy grade breast cancer patients, regardless of the grading method used. DNA‐ploidy and S‐phase fraction were not statistically significant in establishing the malignant potential of breast cancer.
Cytological diagnosis of soft tissue tumours
Authors: Bezabih M. 
Published: March 2003

Cytological diagnosis of soft tissue tumours The aims of this study were to determine the patterns of soft tissue tumours and also to try to assess the utility of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in diagnosing soft tissue tumours. Of 15 361 patients who visited the cytology diagnostic service of the Pathology Department, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa University, 623 (4.1%) cases with a diagnosis of soft tissue tumours were retrieved from the department’s records for the years 1991–96. Fifty‐three soft tissue tumours (25 benign and 28 malignant tumours) with combined FNAC and surgical biopsy results were traced for cyto‐histological correlations. Twenty‐two out of 25 benign soft tissue tumours were correctly diagnosed, with three false cytologic diagnoses where one mesenchmal neoplasm, one haemangioma, and one haemorragic lesion were identified; and out of 28 malignant soft tissue, 23 were correctly diagnosed however, the five false cytological diagnoses were one soft tissue sarcoma, one dermatofibrosarcoma, one malignant mesenchymal neoplasm, one spindle cell neoplasm and one menechymal neoplasm. Thus, in this study a sensitivity and specificity of 88.5% and 81.5% respectively for the diagnosis of soft tissue tumours were reported. In conclusion, FNAC of soft tissue tumours is a fast, effective and reliable diagnostic tool that may help in categorizing soft tissue tumours into benign and malignant groups for clinical management.
Aspiration cytodiagnosis of the breast with abundant acellular calcific material indicative of soft tissue calcinosis (a study of 3 cases)
Authors: GUPTA RAJ K. , LALLU SHARDA , NARAN SARLA , FAUCK ROBERT , GASKELL DAVID 
Published: March 2003

Aspiration cytodiagnosis of the breast with abundant acellular calcific material indicative of soft tissue calcinosis (a study of 3 cases) Calcific deposits in soft tissue are rare and may clinically resemble a tumour. It seems feasible, therefore, to investigate them by the non‐invasive technique of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). In this study three cases with extensive accumulation of acellular calcific material in the breast are described in which FNAC was indicative of soft tissue calcinosis. In all cases routine mammogram had shown a partially cystic opacity. All other investigations were normal and no significant family or medical history was present. Cytopreparations in all cases showed only abundant acellular calcium. The patients had no further treatment and on follow up were clinically well with no changes. The cases are interesting, since the cytohistological findings in the aspirate sample appeared to be strongly indicative of soft tissue calcinosis.
Liquid‐based cytology: is this the way forward for cervical screening?
Authors: MOSELEY R. P. , PAGET S. 
Published: March 2003

Liquid‐based cytology: is this the way forward for cervical screening? Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) is currently being marketed as an alternative methodology to replace the conventional PAP smear in cervical cytology. A substantial body of literature exists in support of LBC, some of which is at least partially sponsored by product manufacturers. The majority of published literature in support of LBC employs Bethesda reporting terminology. In this study we have analysed published raw data and presented this in NHSCSP terminology. Claims relating to sensitivity, specificity and smear adequacy have then been considered with reference to this data. Our analysis of existing data does not support the nationwide implementation of LBC at present. Further studies are recommended in order to evaluate the place of this technology within the NHSCSP.
Flow cytometric DNA analysis on fine needle aspiration biopsies of liver lesions
Authors: Granados Rosario , García‐vela Jose‐Antonio , Fenández‐Segoviano Pilar , Aramburu José‐Antonio , Martín Isaac , Murillo Nieves , Camarmo Encarnación , De la Cal Miguel Angel 
Published: March 2003

Flow cytometric DNA analysis on fine needle aspiration biopsies of liver lesions The DNA cell content of 39 fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAs) from five benign liver lesions, nine hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), and 25 metastatic tumours was analysed in a prospective fashion by flow cytometry (FCM). All benign lesions were diploid. Aneuploidy was found in five (55.6%) HCCs and in nine (36%) metastatic tumours. DNA index (DI) differences were not significant. The S‐phase fraction (SPF) was higher in the malignant tumours, both combined (P < 0.02) and separated primary and metastatic (P < 0.05). We could not demonstrate an association between diploidy and percentage of benign hepatocytes in the smears of malignant tumours. The serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) level did not correlate with ploidy, DI, or SPF in the HCCs. In conclusion, ploidy and DI do not discriminate between benign and malignant liver lesions, but the SPF is higher in malignant tumours. DNA analysis does not help to distinguish primary from metastatic liver tumours. The presence of benign hepatocytes in samples from malignant tumours does not seem to influence the analysis of ploidy by FCM.
Archival cervical smears: a versatile resource for molecular investigations
Authors: Hamidi Amina E. L. , Liu Hongxiang , Zhang Yun , Hamoudi Rifat , Kocjan Gabrijela , Du Ming‐Qing 
Published: March 2003

Archival cervical smears: a versatile resource for molecular investigations Archival cervical smears represent a huge resource of pathological specimens. This, together with long clinical follow‐up data, makes archival smears the most valuable resource for cervical cancer research. Despite this huge potential, only a few molecular investigations have been carried out based on archival smears. It has been shown that archival smears can be used for amplification of genomic sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, it is unknown whether PCR can be applied to minute dyskaryotic cells microdissected from archival cervical smears and whether these archival materials are suitable for reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR). To address these issues, we prepared DNA and RNA samples from dyskaryotic cells microdissected from archival cervical smears with a storage time of 11 years and systematically tested the extent that these materials can be used for PCR‐based molecular investigations at both DNA and RNA levels. Our results showed that a crude DNA preparation simply by proteinase K digestion was suitable for PCR amplification of genomic sequences. By targeting the amplified genomic sequence to 250 bp or less, most if not all archival smears could be used for PCR and are therefore suitable for screening gene mutations and loss of heterozygosity, human papillomavirus typing, etc. Purified DNA samples from microdissected dyskaryotic cells were adequate for restriction enzyme digestion and could be used for a PCR‐based clonality analysis of the androgen receptor gene. Finally, RNA samples extracted from dyskaryotic cells microdissected from archival smears were adequate for RT‐PCR as long as a gene‐specific primer was used for the RT reaction and the target sequence was restricted to 150 bp or less. In summary, our results demonstrated that archival cervical smears are suitable for a range of molecular investigations at both DNA and RNA levels. The potential gain of knowledge on cervical cancer by the molecular study of archival smears is immense.