bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between HaeIII polymorphism of scavenger receptor class B type I gene and plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration
Authors: Hong Seung Ho , Kim Young-Ree , Yoon Yeo Min , Min Won Ki , Chun Sa Il , Kim Jin Q 
Published: October 2002

Background: Evidence has recently been found for significant associations between genetic variation within the scavenger receptor class B type I gene ( SR-BI), plasma lipids and anthropometric measurements in healthy Caucasians. The present case-control study was conducted to determine whether there is an association between three polymorphisms identified by the restriction endonucleases HaeIII, AluI and ApaI of SR-BI and coronary artery disease (CAD) in Korean subjects. Methods: DNA was extracted from 137 subjects with CAD and 124 age-matched controls; it was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. Individual alleles at each of the three polymorphic sites were identified by digestion with the appropriate restriction enzyme. Results: Only a single allele was identified at the AluI and ApaI polymorphic sites. The frequency of the common (+) allele at the HaeIII polymorphic site was higher in CAD patients than in the controls ( P = 0·001). The concentrations of plasma HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI also varied significantly among HaeIII genotypes in the CAD patients. The common (+) allele of the HaeIII polymorphism was associated with a lower body mass index in female controls. Conclusions: Allele frequencies of the AluI and ApaI polymorphisms in this study were different to those in a Caucasian population studied previously, suggesting a difference in the genetic background. Further comparative studies of SR-BI polymorphism in other racial or ethnic groups should therefore prove to be of value.
Biochemical detection of minor myocardial injury after elective, uncomplicated, successful percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with stable angina: clinical outcome
Authors: Saadeddin Salam M , Habbab Moh'd A , Sobki Samia H , Ferns Gordon A 
Published: October 2002

Background: Minor elevations of creatine kinase MB isoform (CK-MB) identified a population with a worse long-term prognosis after successful coronary intervention. Recent studies provide evidence that cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is more sensitive than CK-MB for the detection of minor myocardial injury after coronary intervention. The purpose of the study was to determine the prognostic value of cTnI elevation after elective uncomplicated successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: cTnI was measured in 96 patients with stable angina before and 24 h after elective uncomplicated successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with or without stenting. Patients were followed up for adverse cardiac events (recurrent angina, non-fatal myocardial infarction, cardiac death, repeat PCI or coronary bypass surgery). Procedure success was achieved in all cases. Results: Cardiac events were best predicted by cTnI when a cut-off value of 2·0 μg/L was used. Abnormal cTnI values at 24 h after PCI were observed in 26 patients (27%). Over a follow-up period of 24 months with no significant difference in the medication used, the incidence of recurrent angina, repeat PCI, coronary bypass surgery and cardiac death was 54%, 46%, 4% and 4%, respectively, in the cTnI-positive patients versus 27%, 16%, 4% and 0% in the cTnI-negative patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that cTnI elevation was a significant correlate of cardiac events ( P = 0·0198, by log rank analysis). Conclusions: Elevation of cTnI is not uncommon after elective uncomplicated successful PCI in patients with stable angina and this elevation might be a marker of adverse long-term outcome.
Evaluation of a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of serum heart fatty acid-binding protein
Authors: Pagani Franca , Bonora Roberto , Bonetti Graziella , Panteghini Mauro 
Published: October 2002

Background: We evaluated the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) MARKIT®-M for the determination of heart fatty-acid-binding protein (H-FABP). Results and Conclusions: The between-run coefficient of variation of this assay was <3·9 and it showed good correlation with a previously established ELISA method. The upper reference limit in 30 healthy individuals was 6·1 μg/L. Admission serum H-FABP was evaluated against myoglobin in 41 patients with suspected myocardial infarction (onset of symptoms ≤ 5 h). H-FABP showed the same diagnostic efficiency as myoglobin [area (standard error) under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0·798 (0·079) for H-FABP, 0·771 (0·085) for myoglobin, P = 0·55]. However, using the upper reference limit as decision cut-off, the sensitivity for H-FABP [91%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 76-98%] was significantly ( P = 0·019) higher than that of myoglobin (65%; 95% CI: 47-80%).
Wegener’s granulomatosis: diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Banerjee A. , Armas J. M. , Dempster J. H. 
Published: October 2002

Wegener’s granulomatosis is a systemic disease characterized by a granulomatous lesion that can affect any organ throughout the body.This case-report illustrates the problem posed by a patient presenting with bilateral serous otitis media with marked sensorineural hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis and an atypical serological picture. The importance of early diagnosis and the protocol for the management of a patient with an uncertain diagnosis is discussed. Due to atypical presentations, only a high index of suspicion will ensure an early diagnosis.
An improved instrument mounting arm
Authors: Gendeh B. S. , Khalid B. A. K. , Alberti P. W. 
Published: October 2002

Although some form of commercial instrument mounting arm is available, a paucity of information in the literature may cause problems in selecting the most appropriate model for an ENT department wishing to trial their invention for use in the clinic or operating theatre.The instrument mounting arm described here is based on existing designs used by hobbyists and model makers for many years but the main benefit of this innovation is its multi-purpose use in the operating theatre and cost effectiveness since it is made of aluminum alloy. It is compact, stable and easily adjustable and can incorporate an endoscope holder or an operating end piece to mount various ENT instruments that offers considerable advantages to the unassisted operator.
Tubular e-PTFE implants in glottal and neoglottal insufficiency: tolerance and stability in an animal model
Authors: Tamplenizza Paolo , Acocella Fabio , Addis Flaminio , Bolandrini Enrico 
Published: October 2002

The aim of our research is to develop a laryngeal tissue augmentation technique that will be useful in treating glottal and neoglottal insufficiency.In a previous study the feasibility of insertion of tubular expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) tissue implants into the larynx of a porcine model was demonstrated. In this paper we report the clinical, endoscopic, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) and histopathological follow-up findings. These results demonstrate host tolerance of the implant over the period of study (six months) with little tissue reactivity to tubular e-PTFE implants in the porcine model. The tubular shape of the implant enhances stabilization by the rapid and complete host tissue penetration of the implant’s interstices, making tubular e-PTFE a potentially useful soft tissue augmentation material for larygneal incompetence.
Bilateral cortical blindness: an unusual complication following unilateral neck dissection
Authors: Raj P. , Moore P. L. A. , Henderson J. , Macnamara M. 
Published: October 2002

We present the case of a 50-year-old man who developed bilateral cortical blindness and confusion following a seemingly uneventful right-sided radical neck dissection. Computed tomography (CT) scans confirmed bilateral occipital lobe infarctions.To our knowledge, there are no previously documented reports of this clinical event following head and neck surgical procedures. Although this is a rare occurrence, otolaryngologists should be aware of this potential post-operative complication.The possible aetiologies of this condition are discussed.
Lack of Bcl10 gene mutations in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ronchetti Domenica , Intini Daniela , Pruneri Giancarlo , Neri Antonino , Pignataro Lorenzo 
Published: October 2002

The Bcl10 gene encodes a protein probably involved in some apoptotic regulatory pathways. Bcl10 mutations lead to the translation of truncated proteins that show gain-of-function transforming activity; it has been suggested thaBcl10 may represent a major target gene for inactivation in many human cancers. To define the frequency of Bcl10 mutations in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and their possible association with tumour progression, we investigated a large panel of tumours representative of all grades and stages of malignancy.To detect pathogenic mutations in exons 1, 2 and 3 of the Bcl10 gene, we performed a silver-staining polymerase chain reaction – single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis followed by direct DNA sequencing. We revealed the presence of SSCP variants in 18 out of 91 laryngeal tumours. Direct DNA sequencing showed previously described polymorphisms but no pathogenic mutations. We have strong evidence that the Bcl10 gene is not involved in laryngeal carcinogenesis.
The toe-spreading reflex of the rabbit revisited-functional evaluation of complete peroneal nerve lesions
Authors: Schmitz H. Cristina , Beer G. M. 
Published: October 2002

Although a variety of electrophysiological and morphological tests are available for studying nerve regeneration in animals, these endpoints do not necessarily correlate with the return of muscle function. Recent efforts have focused on the assessment of function as the endpoint of nerve regeneration. One of the best known of these tests is the sciatic function index in rats. For rabbits, the toe-spreading reflex has been suggested as a valuable index of peroneal function. We examined the reliability and sensitivity of the toe-spreading reflex in a study of nerve regeneration of the peroneal nerve in 10 New Zealand White rabbits. Eleven weeks after the transection and immediate suturing of the peroneal nerve in both hind legs (at two slightly different sites), a toe-spreading reflex could always be elicited on that side where the level of the severed nerve was closer to the dependent muscles. Also on this hind leg the muscle weight of the peroneal target muscles was significantly higher ( P = 0.031) than on the contralateral side, which corresponds well to the results of the toe-spreading reflex. The toe-spreading reflex is an excellent and sensitive indicator of the onset of motor recovery in the peroneal nerve-dependent muscles of rabbits. Even small differences in the localization of lesions in both hind legs can be differentiated with this test.
Macroscopic and roentgenographic anatomy of the skull of the ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: He T. , Friede H. , Kiliaridis S. 
Published: October 2002

Normal macroscopic and roentgenographic features of the skull of the ferret ( Mustela putorius furo) were examined and described. Data were based on a sample of 100 (50 male and 50 female) adult ferrets of known body weight and age. The skull was described macroscopically according to six standard views, i.e. dorsal, lateral, ventral, caudal, cranial and midsagittal. The mandible was described separately. The roentgenographic characteristics of the ferret skull were demonstrated only in lateral and dorsoventral projections. Furthermore, the skull length and width as well as the minimum frontal width were measured, and skull indices were derived from relevant measurements. Sexual dimorphism was examined both morphologically and craniometrically. Besides the common features of a carnivore skull, the ferret skull is relatively elongated and flat with a short facial region. The skulls of adult male ferrets are about 17% longer and 22% wider than those of the females. Significant sexual dimorphism also exists regarding certain skull indices. The general features and some dimensional parameters of the adult ferret skull support the contention that the ferret would be an interesting and workable alternative animal model in craniofacial research.
The association of Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium with non-gonococcal urethritis: observations on heterosexual men and their female partners
Authors: Keane F. E. A. , Thomas B. J. , Gilroy C. B. , Renton A. , Taylor-Robinson D. 
Published: October 2002

Our objectives were to study the distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium in men with or without non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) and their respective female partners. A case-control study was carried out to which men with or without NGU and their female partners were recruited. All study participants were tested for the presence of C. trachomatis and M. genitalium. An analysis firstly of the distribution of each of these microorganisms among men with or without urethritis and their respective female partners was carried out. Furthermore, we examined the association of each of these microorganisms and NGU when the other had been excluded. Chlamydia trachomatis was present in 14 (36%) of 39 men with NGU compared to none of 12 men without NGU (P = 0.022). The prevalence rates for female partners of men with NGU were 10 (26%) of 39 compared to none of 12 partners of men without NGU (P = 0.092). M. genitalium was detected in 12 (33%) of 36 men with NGU compared to 1 (9%) of men without NGU (not significant; P = 0.147). The prevalence rates for female partners of men with NGU were 10 (32%) of 31 women compared to none of 7 partners of men without NGU (not significant; P = 0.156). There was a greater concordance than discordance of carriage of each of the 2 microorganisms among the study couples and each tended to be carried independently of the other by men. Analysis of the association between the presence of C. trachomatis in men and NGU was significantly improved by the exclusion of men with M. genitalium (P = 0.0058). Likewise, the association between the presence of M. genitalium in men and NGU was significantly improved by the exclusion of couples in whom either the man or woman was C. trachomatis-positive (P = 0.049). The independent carriage of C. trachomatis and M. genitalium by men with NGU, coupled with the improved association between each pathogen and NGU by exclusion of the other provides support for the separate role of each in the aetiology of NGU.
Continuing medical ignorance: modern myths in the management of genital warts
Authors: Birley Humphrey D. L. 
Published: October 2002

Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in industrialized countries. Since they also often respond poorly to current treatments, they account for substantial morbidity. Human papillomavirus (HPV) typing methods have shown that HPV 6 and 11, the most common types found in genital warts, are not found in cancer of the cervix. These types, however, do cause minor degrees of cervical dysplasia which also results in morbidity both through fear and through over-treatment. The sexual nature of transmission of genital warts has been known from ancient times; there is also good evidence of vertical transmission and transmission through non-genital contact. Barrier contractive methods do not completely prevent transmission of genital warts and may give little worthwhile protection. These facts, together with the established persistence of HPV contribute to the associated psychological morbidity. There are a number of treatments for genital (and other) warts. This attests to the fact that no one of these is clearly superior to the others. Until better treatments are developed much of the management of this condition must consist of using such treatments that are available to maximize efficacy while trying to reduce unnecessary costs, inconvenience and potential injury and sustaining morale through what may be a long and demoralizing course.
Validation of syndromic algorithm for the management of genital ulcer diseases in China
Authors: Wang Qian-Qiu , Mabey David , Peeling Rosanna W , Tan Mei-Li , Jian Da-Ming , Yang Ping , Zhong Ming-Ying , Wang Guang-Ju 
Published: October 2002

Objectives 1. To determine the aetiologies of genital ulcers in China. 2. To evaluate a modified WHO syndromic management algorithm for genital ulcer disease (GUD). Methods: Patients with genital ulcers were enrolled at their first visit to STD clinics in the cities of Shanghai and Chengdu. They were managed according to a modified WHO algorithm for GUD, in which no treatment was given for chancroid. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to detect Treponema pallidum, Herpes simplex and Haemophilus ducreyi. Dark field examination and serology (rapid plasma reagin and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) were also used to diagnose syphilis. Results: A total of 227 male and female patients were enrolled. Syphilis alone was diagnosed in 78 (35%), genital herpes alone in 43 (19%), and both infections were present in 28 (12%). No diagnosis was made in 76 (34%). No case of chancroid was identified. The sensitivity of the algorithm for syphilis and herpes was 88.7% and 69.0% respectively, the specificity 95.0% and 50.0%. 12/106 cases of syphilis were incorrectly classified as herpes (11%), and did not receive treatment. More than 97% of patients followed up responded clinically to treatment. Conclusion: Further validation and revision of the WHO flowchart for GUD are needed.
Mother to child human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission: what HIV-infected women think. Our experience in Rome, Italy
Authors: Visconti E , Celentano Lucia Pastore , Marinaci Salvatore , Scoppettuolo Giancarlo , Tamburrini Enrica 
Published: October 2002

Objectives: To investigate the knowledge of the risk of HIV vertical transmission as well as the feeling about the new therapy in reducing that rate. Methods: We included 152 HIV-infected women. A self reported questionnaire was administered from September to December 2000. Results: About the risk rate of transmitting HIV to their baby, 21 (13.8%) women indicated 100%; 67 (44.1%) 50-80%; 35 (23%) 10-50% and only 22 women (14.5%) answered the correct value of less than 5%. Regarding the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy, 82 women (53.9%) considered therapy effective in reducing vertical HIV transmission, while 63 women (41.4%) considered therapy powerless in preventing mother to child HIV transmission. Any statistically significant difference in sociodemographic, clinical, viroimmunological characteristics and antiretroviral therapy emerged between the groups. Conclusions: Our data highlight the importance of providing appropriate counselling about perinatal HIV transmission to all childbearing age HIV infected women.
HIV transmission risk behaviours among HIV-positive persons in serodiscordant relationships
Authors: Kalichman Seth C , Rompa David , Luke Webster , Austin James 
Published: October 2002

As many as one in three persons living with HIV-AIDS continue to practise unprotected sexual intercourse and these practices often occur with HIV-negative or unknown HIV serostatus (serodiscordant) partners. The current study examined the rates of HIV transmission risk behaviours in non-regular (e.g. casual) and regular (e.g. steady) serodiscordant relationships. HIV positive men ( n = 269) and women ( n = 114) responded to measures of demographic characteristics, health and mental health status, and sexual behaviours assessed in partner-by-partner interviews. 257 (67%) participants were sexually active in the preceding three months and 182 (71%) of the sexually active persons had engaged in vaginal or anal intercourse with serodiscordant partners. Comparisons of persons with non-regular ( n = 97) and regular ( n = 85) serodiscordant partners showed that overall rates of unprotected and protected intercourse were greater with regular partners than non-regular partners. Disclosure of HIV status to regular and non-regular serodiscordant partners did not appear to influence the pattern of results. Mathematical modelling showed that HIV transmission estimates over a one-year horizon were significantly greater for male regular partners of HIV-positive men than non-regular partners and there was a trend toward greater HIV transmission rates from HIV-positive men to their regular serodiscordant female partners compared to non-regular partners. Results suggest an urgent need for HIV transmission risk reduction interventions for HIV serodiscordant couples, particularly for couples in established, regular relationships.
Genitourinary Physicians and Vulval Clinics: A UK Survey
Authors:   British Co-operative Clinical Group, Kinghorn G R , Carne C A , McMillan A , Mandal D , Pattman R S , Alawattegama A B , Wilson J , Maw R D , Williams O , O'Mahoney C , Radcliffe K W , Bignell C , Meaden J D , Scott J , Taylor P K , Luzzi G , Goh B T , Lawrence A G , de Ruiter A , Nayagam A T , Willmott F E , Harris W , Mercey D , Dinsmore W , Nicoll A , Catchpole M 
Published: October 2002

Our objectives are to examine the extent to which genitourinary physicians participate in vulval clinics in the UK; to determine the geographic distribution of such clinics and to study aspects of clinical practice and staffing of the vulval clinics identified in the survey. In February/March 1998 a questionnaire on vulval clinics was distributed via regional representatives of the British Co-operative Clinical Group to all the 174 consultants in charge of genitourinary medicine clinics in the UK. One hundred and sixty-four replies were received which identified a total of 61 vulval clinics in the UK. All former health regions had at least one vulval clinic or equivalent. Three former regions had 7 vulval clinics each. Forty-six vulval clinics had a dermatologist, 38 a genitourinary physician, and 30 had a gynaecologist. Only 7 vulval clinics claimed to have a counsellor or health adviser present. Ninety-four per cent took biopsies but only half this proportion met with a pathologist to discuss the histology. Eighty per cent had colposcopes and cameras available but rather fewer actually used them. Twenty-nine per cent had performed research in the past 5 years and 24% had either published or presented this. The majority of vulval clinics would accept direct referrals from all the agencies. This survey has demonstrated an increased number of genitourinary physicians participating in vulval clinics. Other studies have demonstrated the value of such clinics in improving diagnosis and management. It is to be hoped that further such clinics will be set up, particularly in parts of the country which are poorly served at present.