bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prosthetic devices within radiotherapy fields: Planning implications and results
Authors: Christie David RH , Hulbert Peter , Christiansen Peter 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYProsthetic devices made of plastic or silicon are occasionally present in patients requiring radiotherapy (RT). The effect of RT on these devices and the potential implications of their presence on RT planning are relatively unknown. Three examples are presented in which various devices were included in RT fields. In two of the examples in vitro testing of the devices with high single doses of radiation was undertaken. Radiotherapy was given to all patients with high doses received by the devices. Minor adjustments were made to the planning techniques to reduce the doses to the devices. Neither significant complications nor any malfunctions of the devices were noted subsequently.
Comprehensive evaluation of patients with haematuria on multi‐slice computed tomography scanner: Protocol design and preliminary observations
Authors: Chai Richard Y , Jhaveri Kartik , Saini Sanjay , Hahn Peter F , Nichols Steven , Mueller Peter R 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYAn imaging protocol with a multi‐slice CT scanner that allows comprehensive assessment of patients with haematuria is described. This protocol allows evaluation of the kidneys, ureters and bladder in a single examination using CT. This approach should streamline the diagnostic work‐up of patients with haematuria.
Spontaneous regression of pulmonary bullae
Authors: Satoh Hiroaki , Ishikawa Hiroichi , Ohtsuka Morio , Sekizawa Kiyohisa 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe natural history of pulmonary bullae is often characterized by gradual, progressive enlargement. Spontaneous regression of bullae is, however, very rare. We report a case in which complete resolution of pulmonary bullae in the left upper lung occurred spontaneously.
Epidural extramedullary haemopoiesis in thalassaemia
Authors: Boyacigil Süreyya , Ali Afşin , Ardiç Selim , Yüksel Enis 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYIntrathoracic extramedullary haematopoiesis is a rare condition. Involvement of the spinal epidural space with haematopoietic tissue is rather unusual. A 31‐year‐old‐man with a known diagnosis of β‐thalassaemia was referred with focal back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse bone‐marrow changes, thoracic paraspinal masses and lobulated epidural masses, suggesting extramedullary haemopoiesis. The patient was treated with radiotherapy and blood transfusions. Follow‐up MRI was performed for evaluation efficacy of the treatment.
Extramammary Paget’s disease: Role of radiation therapy
Authors: Guerrieri Mario , Back Michael F 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYExtramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is an uncommon premalignant skin condition that has been traditionally managed with surgery. A report of long‐standing Paget’s disease with transformation to invasive adenocarcinoma definitively managed with radiation therapy is presented. A review of cases of extramammary Paget’s disease treated with radiation therapy is discussed. The use of radiation therapy should be considered in selected cases, as these studies demonstrate acceptable rates of local control when used as an adjunct to surgery, or as a definitive treatment modality.
Solitary pulmonary metastasis from intracranial meningiothelial meningioma
Authors: Kovoor Jerry ME , Jayakumar PN , Srikanth SG , Indira B , Devi M Gayatri 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYAlthough known, histologically proven pulmonary metastasis from a benign intracranial meningioma is exceedingly rare. We report a case of meningiothelial meningioma producing a solitary pulmonary deposit.
Segmental hyperattenuation in the liver as a result of right hepatic vein thrombosis: An unusual complication of central venous catheterization
Authors: Fitoz Suat , Atasoy Çetin , Yagmurlu Aydin , Akyar Serdar 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYLiver perfusion disorder secondary to hepatic vein occlusion is not often reported. This abnormality might be caused by invasion of the hepatic veins by tumour or compression by a large right adrenal mass. We present an unusual cause of hepatic perfusion disturbance due to right hepatic vein thrombosis resulting from inadvertent hepatic venous catheterization. On contrast‐enhanced CT, the tip of a central venous catheter extended into the right hepatic vein, which was thrombosed. A sharply marginated wedge‐shaped hyperdense region was demonstrated in the right lobe of the liver, thought to represent a compensatory increase in arterial flow to the affected territory.
Eosinophilic granuloma of the bone: Ultrasonographic imaging
Authors: Bodner Gerd , Kreczy Alfons , Rachbauer Franz , Baechter Oliver , Peer Siegfied 
Published: March 2003

SummaryEosinophilic granuloma is a rare disease of unknown aetiology that affects the bones. Two cases of eosinophilic granuloma are presented. Ultrasonographic, CT and histopathological findings are described. Ultrasonographic‐guided core‐needle biopsy was performed. Treatment was initiated by installing steroid suspension into the lesions, which resulted in complete healing of the bone in both cases.
Stenosis of the hepatic vein anastomosis after liver transplantation: Treatment with a heparin‐coated metal stent
Authors: Frazer CK , Gupta A 
Published: March 2003

SummaryDelayed‐onset fibrotic stenosis of the hepatic‐vein anastomosis following liver transplantation resulted in ascites and abnormal liver‐function tests. The stenosis was treated with balloon dilatation resulting in a clinical improvement; however, this had to be repeated four times in the 9 months after transplantation due to recurrent stenosis. The stenosis was eventually successfully treated with percutaneous insertion of a metal stent. Aspirin 50 mg daily was prescribed for 1 month. The patient was not anticoagulated. The patient remains clinically well at follow up after 18 months.
Cultural attitudes to cancer management in traditional South‐East Asian patients
Authors: Ong K Jane , Back Michael F , Lu Jiade J , Shakespeare Thomas S , Wynne Christopher J 
Published: March 2003

SummaryCultural differences might influence patients’ attitudes to decision‐making for cancer management. In a Western medical system promoting shared decision‐making and patient autonomy, the effects of traditional South‐East Asian cultural and religious attitudes might provoke confusion for both the patient and health‐care provider. Especially in oncology, these beliefs might influence patients’ perceptions of diagnosis, symptoms, interventions and approaches to death. For the clinician, the potential conflicts in patient disclosure and discussion of diagnosis are evident, as well as patient avoidance of certain interventions. This review article explores the background and interpretation of cultural aspects experienced by Australasian‐trained oncologists working in Singapore. Explanations of traditional health beliefs of South‐East Asian patients are outlined, and provide a perspective for oncologists managing similar patients within Australasia's multicultural community.
Solitary hemispheric demyelination in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: Clinicoradiological correlation
Authors: Singh Surendra , Alexander Mathew , Sase Nathaniel , Korah Ipeson Parackal 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe retrospectively studied 13 patients with solitary hemispheric demyelination in acute disseminated encephalo­‐myelitis (solitary‐ADEM) to look for specific MRI features. Thirteen patients were subjected to routine MRI with varying initial clinical diagnosis, including demyelination, neoplasm, encephalitis and infarct. The provisional MRI diagnosis was based on lesion morphology, size, location, mass effect, effect on adjacent sulci, cisterns and gyral shape. On long repetition time (TR)/long echo time (TE) spin echo sequences, the lesions were heterogeneously hyperintense, and on short TR/short TE spin echo sequences, heterogeneously hypointense. Later, the provisional MRI diagnosis was corroborated with clinical parameters such as multimode‐evoked potentials, electro­‐physiological studies and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in order to establish a definitive diagnosis. The diagnosis was established in all except one patient with tumour‐like clinical and MRI features. The combination of MRI features and clinical parameters can establish a definitive diagnosis in the majority of cases, and this avoids a biopsy.
PUTATIVE MEDIATOR ROLE OF ENDOTHELIN‐1 IN ASTHMA AND OTHER LUNG DISEASES
Authors: Hay DWP 
Published: March 2003

1. There is an increasing amount of research to implicate endothelin (ET)‐1, a member of a family of 21 amino acid peptides, as a potentially important mediator in pulmonary diseases, in particular asthma and pulmonary hypertension. Thus, ET‐1 fits several of the standard criteria that need to be fulfilled for a pathophysiologically relevant substance.2. Endothelin‐1 is present in abundance in human lung: the major loci for ET‐1 are the epithelium, endothelium, endocrine cells and inflammatory cells. Furthermore, the receptors that mediate the biological effects of ET‐1, the ETA and ETB receptor subtypes, are found in human lung, predominantly in airway smooth muscle, and vascular smooth muscle and, to a lesser extent, nerves. There is no change in the relative proportions of ETA and ETB receptors in asthmatic versus non‐asthmatic bronchial smooth muscle and peripheral lung.3. Several studies have shown that ET‐1 mimics several of the features of asthma (including bronchospasm, airway remodelling, inflammatory cell recruitment and activation, oedema, mucus secretion, airway hyperreactivity and dysfunction in neuronal inputs); however, some other reports are at odds with these findings.4. Endothelin‐1 mimics the two classical features of pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary vascular constriction and remodelling), which is often a serious complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.5. Intranasal ET‐1 produces several of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.6. There are several reports of increased levels and/or expression of ET in patients with many pulmonary disorders, in particular asthma or pulmonary hypertension, with some evidence of a correlation between ET amounts and disease severity; however, other studies do not confirm these observations.7. Despite these intriguing data in support of a pathophysiological role of ET‐1 in lung diseases, the definitive test and most difficult criteria to fulfil, the clinical evaluation of ET receptor antagonists or ET synthesis inhibitors, has still to be conducted. Only after these pivotal data are available will we be able to determine definitively whether ET‐1 is a pathophysiologically important mediator in lung diseases or merely an interesting peptide with several effects in the pulmonary system.
THE A1166C MUTATION IN THE ANGIOTENSIN II TYPE I RECEPTOR AND HYPERTENSION IN THE ELDERLY
Authors: Liyou Nancy , Davis Darren , James Kristy , Simons Leon , Friedlander Yechiel , Simons Judith , McCallum John , Johnson Anthony 
Published: March 2003

1. Using a nested case‐control study of 661 non‐institutionalized elderly (≥ 60 years) residents of Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia, the aim of this study is to determine whether the A1166C polymorphism of the angiotensin II type I (AT1) receptor gene is associated with hypertension in the elderly.2. Individuals were classified as isolated systolic hypertension (ISH, n = 146), systolic diastolic hypertension (SDH, n = 188), or normotensive, age‐ and sex‐matched controls (n = 327). AA, CC and AC genotypes were determined using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of DNA generated by nested polymerase chain reaction.3. A univariate analysis (χ2) was complemented by a logistic regression analysis, facilitating adjustment for potential confounders. The unadjusted genotype and allele frequencies in ISH or SDH subjects did not differ significantly from the control subjects (χ2 = 3.0, P = 0.55, 4 d.f.; χ2 = 3.0, P = 0.23, 2 d.f., respectively). After adjustment for potential confounders neither genotype nor allele predicted ISH or SDH in this cohort.4. From this study we conclude that the A1166C polymorphism of the AT1 receptor gene is not a marker for ISH nor for SDH in this large, elderly community sample.
SYSTEMIC ADENOSINE INCREASE DURING COLD PRESSOR TEST IS DEPENDENT ON SYMPATHETIC ACTIVATION
Authors: Pasini FRANCO LAGHI , Capecchi PIER LEOPOLDO , Colafati MARCELLA , Randisi PAOLA , Puccetti LUCA 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY1. Following local vasoconstriction‐inducing stimuli, such as the cold pressor test (CPT), significant changes occur in haemodynamics, with a rise in arterial blood pressure and heart rate (HR) due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Among the compensatory mechanisms to local ischaemia, the endogenous nucleoside adenosine (ADO) has been suggested to play a relevant role by contributing to sympathetic stimulation. The possibility was investigated that CPT‐induced increases in plasma ADO levels were not only an expression of the increased production of ADO in the ischaemic area, but also a consequence of systemic sympathoexcitatory mechanisms, thus showing a bidirectional involvement of the mechanisms of ADO formation.2. The CPT was performed in 15 volunteers and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and HR were evaluated, together with plasma levels of noradrenaline (NA) and ADO in the tested and contralateral arm. The 15 subjects were then divided into three groups of five that were treated with either 5 mg transdermal clonidine weekly, 100 mg atenolol daily or 600 mg aminophylline twice daily. After 1 week treatment, the same test was repeated in the respective groups.3. The CPT induced a rise in MABP and HR and an increase in plasma levels of NA and ADO. Increases in ADO were more pronounced in the tested arm. Clonidine blunted the haemodynamic response and NA release, while increases in ADO increase were reduced to a greater extent in the contralateral arm rather than the tested arm. Atenolol only affected MABP and HR without any effect on NA and ADO levels. Theophylline did not show any effect on CPT‐induced changes.4. In conclusion, local vasoconstriction and ischaemia induced in one arm following CPT are associated with haemodynamic changes dependent on the activation of the sympathetic system. The observed increase in plasma levels of ADO seems to be, in part, a direct expression of local responses to ischaemia (predominant in the tested arm), but also appears as the consequence of systemic sympathoexcitatory mechanisms. Such increases in ADO are not dependent on a β1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated mechanism. Finally, theophylline, at a therapeutic dose, has no effect on the response to CPT.
PATHOGENESIS OF AN EXPERIMENTAL HEATSTROKE MODEL
Authors: Lin MT 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY1. Heatstroke was induced by exposure under general anaesthesia to a high ambient temperature. The moment in which the mean arterial pressure (MAP) began to decrease from its peak level was taken as the onset of heatstroke.2. Compared with normothermic controls, rats with heatstroke had higher values for colon temperature, neuronal damage score and heart rate, but lower MAP and cerebral blood flow.3. Induction of heat shock protein, antagonism of interleukin‐1 or N‐methyl‐
D‐aspartate receptors or depletion of brain monoamines protects against the heatstroke‐induced arterial hypotension and cerebral ischaemic injury.4. Thus, it appears that arterial hypotension and cerebral ischaemic damage is the main reason for development of heatstroke syndromes.
INHIBITION OF INTIMAL LIPID DEPOSITION IN HUMAN APOLIPOPROTEIN A1 TRANSGENIC MICE
Authors: She MINGPENG , Li HUIHUA , Yu LIQING , Gu SUMIN , Wang ZONGLI 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY1. Southern blot confirmed the emergence of the human apolipoprotein A1 (h‐apoAl) gene (four to 15 copies) in newborn transgenic mice. The inheritance pattern of h‐apoAl transgene in three generations of progeny was compatible with a single autosomal integration site.2. Northern blot showed h‐apoA1 mRNA expressed mainly in liver, kidney and aorta. The total plasma apoA1 (murine plus human) level was significantly increased to 58 and 118 in transgenic mice without or under zinc induction, respectively. The majority was h‐apoA1. Plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity was positively correlated with h‐apoA1 levels in transgenic mice (r = 0.43; P < 0.01).3. After a high cholesterol intake for 14 weeks, the incidence of fatty streak at the aortic sinus was 40% in transgenic mice and 80% in controls. Expression of platelet‐derived growth factor‐B, c‐myc and c‐fos proteins was much weaker in smooth muscle cells at the aortic sinus in transgenic mice.
DISTRIBUTION OF GABAA AND GLYCINE RECEPTORS IN THE MAMMALIAN RETINA
Authors: Grünert Ulrike 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY1. GABA and glycine mediate synaptic inhibition via specific neurotransmitter receptors. Molecular cloning studies have shown that there is a great diversity of receptors for these two neurotransmitters. In the present paper, the distribution of GABAA and glycine receptors in the mammalian retina is reviewed.2. In situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry with subunit‐specific antibodies and single cell injection were used to analyse the localization of receptor subunits. Specific subunits are expressed in characteristic strata of the inner plexiform layer, suggesting that different functional circuits involve specific subtypes of neurotransmitter receptors.3. Different cell types express different combinations of receptor subunits and an individual neuron can express several receptor isoforms at distinct post‐synaptic sites.
EFFECTS OF INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION ON STEADY AND PULSATILE HAEMODYNAMICS IN DOGS
Authors: Su Chain‐Fa , Hu Cheng‐Tao , Chen Hsing I 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY1. Intracranial hypertension (ICH) tends to elicit various cardiovascular changes. Previous studies on the haemodynamic responses to ICH have been confined mainly to measurements of arterial pressure (AP), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). In the present study, we used the technique of arterial impedance analysis for a complete assessment of steady and pulsatile haemodynamics in ICH.2. In anaesthetized dogs, aortic pressure and flow waves were obtained with high‐fidelity Millar sensors. The pressure and flow waves were subjected to Fourier transformation (frequency analysis) for an analysis of impedance spectra. Intracranial pressure (ICP) was elevated by inflation of an epidural balloon. At an ICP of 50 mmHg, the changes in steady and pulsatile haemodynamics were slight.3. Haemodynamic changes became evident at an ICP of 100 mmHg. The mean AP was elevated by 31 mmHg (+32%) and heart rate (HR) was reduced by 25 b.p.m. (–18%). There was also a significant decrease in CO by 27% and large increase in TPR by 82%. With respect to pulsatile haemodynamics, an elevation of ICP to 100 mmHg caused significant increases in characteristic impedance by 45% and wave reflection by 53%. Arterial compliance was reduced by 50%. The ventricular oscillatory work was increased without a significant change in steady work.4. The results indicate that ICH causes constriction of resistance vessels to affect AP and TPR. Because the pulsatile haemodynamics reflect mainly the Windkessel functions, ICH also induces stiffness of the large vessels to affect arterial impedance, pulse wave reflection and ventricular oscillatory work.
Treatment Of Joint Pain In Crohn’s Patients With Budesonide Controlled Ileal Release§
Authors: Florin Timothy Hj , Graffner Hans , Nilsson Lars‐Göran , Persson Tore 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY1. Joint pain is a frequent manifestation of Crohn’s disease. Budesonide controlled ileal release (CIR) is a predominantly topically acting glucocorticosteroid, which is effective in treating active ileal or ileocaecal Crohn’s disease.2. Therefore, it was of interest to study the effect of this predominantly topically acting therapy on the treatment of an extra‐intestinal symptom of Crohn’s disease by analysing data collected from budesonide CIR (Entocort®; Astra Draco AB, Lund, Sweden) trials.3. Three large studies of budesonide CIR treatment in active Crohn’s disease provided a reliable source of clinical data. Of the 611 patients treated in the prospective double‐blind controlled trials, 291 had joint pain (arthritis/arthralgia) at entry, which was recorded as part of the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index. Statistical analysis was based on all patients treated, provided that the patient had joint pain at the start of treatment.4. Daily oral budesonide CIR (9 mg) resulted in clinical remission of joint pain in 74% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 67–82%) of patients. This outcome was nearly twice as good as placebo (41%; 95% CI 34–57%) and as good as the outcome effected by daily oral prednisolone (40 mg; 72%; 95% CI 60–84%). The favourable response to budesonide CIR (9 mg) did not correlate with glucocorticosteroid‐associated side effects or with adrenal suppression, which were half those in the prednisolone (40 mg/day) group.5. The favourable outcome may relate to restitution of normal intestinal immune function.
Angiotensin And Osmoreceptor Inputs To The Area Postrema: Role In Long‐Term Control Of Fluid Homeostasis And Arterial Pressure
Authors: Osborn John W , Collister John P , Carlson Scott H 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY1. The role of the area postrema (AP) in the long‐term control of body fluid homeostasis and arterial pressure under conditions of increased dietary salt intake is reviewed. A model is proposed in which sympathetic nerve activity is suppressed when dietary salt is increased. It is hypothesized that the AP acts as an essential integrative site in the hind‐brain for this response.2. An essential component of the hypothesis is that basal levels of circulating angiotensin II support arterial pressure in animals consuming a normal salt diet by acting on the AP to drive sympathetic nerve activity. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that the long‐term hypotensive response to losartan, the AT1receptor antagonist, is attenuated in AP‐lesioned (APx) rats.3. The role of hepatoportal sodium receptors in signalling the AP about changes in dietary salt intake is discussed. Intragastric hypertonic saline infusion increases portal venous, but not systemic plasma, osmolality and increases Fos‐like immunoreactivity in the AP, nucleus tractus solitarius and the supraoptic, paraventricular and lateral parabrachial nuclei. Other studies have shown that stimulation of these receptors decreases renal sympathetic nerve activity.4. The hypothesis that the AP is critical in long‐term control of arterial pressure and body fluid homeostasis under conditions of altered dietary salt intake was studied. The responses of arterial pressure and sodium and water balance to changes in dietary salt intake were measured in intact and APx rats. Contrary to the hypothesis, APx rats did not exhibit impaired regulation of arterial pressure or water balance. However, APx rats did demonstrate an impaired ability to excrete sodium when salt intake was elevated.5. Based on these observations, it is concluded that the AP is important in the control of sodium balance, but not arterial pressure, when dietary salt intake is altered.