bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment with Met-RANTES reduces lung injury in caerulein-induced pancreatitis
Authors: Bhatia M , Proudfoot A E I , Wells T N C , Christmas S , Neoptolemos J P , Slavin J 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundSevere acute pancreatitis leads to a systemic inflammatory response characterized by widespread leucocyte activation and, as a consequence, distant lung injury. In CC chemokines the first two cysteine residues are adjacent to each other. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Met-RANTES, a CC chemokine receptor antagonist, on pancreatic inflammation and lung injury in caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice.MethodsAcute pancreatitis was induced in mice by hourly intraperitoneal injection of caerulein. Met-RANTES was administered either 30 min before or 1 h after starting caerulein injections, and pancreatic inflammation and lung injury were assessed. There were five groups of eight mice each including controls.ResultsTreatment with Met-RANTES had little effect on caerulein-induced pancreatic damage. Met-RANTES, however, reduced lung injury when given either before administration of caerulein (mean(s.e.m.) lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) 1·47(0·19) versus 3·70(0·86)-fold increase over control, P = 0·024; mean(s.e.m.) microvascular permeability 1·15(0·05) versus 3·57(0·63) lavage to plasma fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled albumin fluorescence ratio (L/P) per cent, P = 0·002) or after caerulein administration (lung MPO 1·96(0·27) versus 3·65(0·63)-fold increase over control, P = 0·029; microvascular permeability 0·94(0·04) versus 2·85(0·34) L/P per cent, P &lt; 0·001).ConclusionTreatment with Met-RANTES reduces lung damage associated with caerulein-induced pancreatitis in mice. Chemokine receptor antagonists may be of use for the treatment of the systemic complications of acute pancreatitis.
Natural course of acquired undescended testis in boys
Authors: Hack W W M , Meijer R W , van der Voort-Doedens L M , Bos S D , Haasnoot K 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundAlthough orchidopexy is commonly performed for acquired undescended testis, therapy is still controversial. A prospective study on the natural course of acquired undescended testis in boys was initiated.MethodsAt present, the study includes 63 boys with 74 acquired undescended testes in whom treatment and follow-up has been completed. In 15 boys with 20 acquired undescended testes, orchidopexy was performed before the onset of puberty, mainly at the request of the parents. In the remaining 48 boys with 54 acquired undescended testes, the onset of puberty was awaited. Of these, four boys with four acquired undescended testes were lost to follow-up.ResultsIn 42 of 50 boys the testis descended spontaneously at puberty with a testicular volume appropriate for age. In the remaining eight boys the testis failed to descend at puberty and orchidopexy was performed.ConclusionThe preliminary results of this study indicate that spontaneous descent at puberty commonly occurs in boys with acquired undescended testes, with testicular volume appropriate for age. It is suggested that surgical intervention before onset of puberty may not always be necessary in acquired undescended testis.
Regional cerebral blood flow in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism before and after successful parathyroidectomy
Authors: Mjåland O , Normann E , Halvorsen E , Rynning S , Egeland T 
Published: June 2003

Abstract

Background
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is used to study cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolism in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Reduced regional cerebral blood flow has been demonstrated in patients with depression and chronic fatigue, symptoms that are common in primary hyperparathyroidism. The aim of this study was to reveal possible changes in regional cerebral blood flow in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism before and after operative treatment.

Methods
This was a prospective study of regional cerebral blood flow in 16 consecutive women of median age 72 (range 50–82) years using SPECT with 99mTc-labelled hexamethylpropylenamine-oxime. The measurements were performed before and 2, 4 and 12 months after parathyroidectomy. The Montgomery and Åsberg depression rating scale (MADRS) depression score was used as a parallel clinical test.

Results
Reduced (pathological) regional cerebral blood flow was seen before operation in 14 patients, 13 with a solitary adenoma and one with double adenoma. After surgery, this improved to normal values in 13, but was further reduced in one. In two patients with preoperative normal regional cerebral blood flow, both of whom were asymptomatic and had diffuse hyperplasia, a slight reduction was demonstrated. Eight patients had a pathological preoperative MADRS score, which normalized in seven after surgical treatment.

Conclusion
The finding of reduced regional cerebral blood flow in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism followed by significant improvement after operation might influence the case for surgical treatment.
Randomized clinical trial of the effect of microemulsion cyclosporin and tacrolimus on renal allograft fibrosis
Authors: Murphy G J , Waller J R , Sandford R S , Furness P N , Nicholson M L 
Published: June 2003

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Neoral® cyclosporin- and tacrolimus-based therapy on the development of renal allograft fibrosis (chronic allograft nephropathy; CAN) in a prospective randomized trial.

Methods
A total of 102 patients undergoing renal transplantation were randomized to immunosuppression with either microemulsion cyclosporin (Neoral®; 15 mg per kg per day adjusted to whole-blood trough concentrations of 200–300 ng/ml) or tacrolimus (0·2 mg per kg per day adjusted to whole-blood trough levels of 8–15 ng/ml) in conjunction with steroids, or at a lower dose (7 mg per kg per day and 0·1 mg per kg per day respectively) with the addition of azathioprine for non-heart-beating renal transplant recipients. Renal transplant interstitial fibrosis was quantified using computerized histomorphometric measurement of picrosirius red-stained 1-year protocol renal transplant biopsies. Levels of interstitial fibrosis were compared in relation to observed efficacy and toxicity profiles of the two drugs.

Results
There was a significant increase in allograft interstitial fibrosis in the patients treated with Neoral® compared with those given tacrolimus. There was no significant difference in the demographic characteristics between the patient groups or in the incidence of acute rejection (Neoral® 36 per cent versus tacrolimus 35 per cent) or steroid-resistant rejection (both 10 per cent) between the two drugs. There was a higher incidence of insulin resistance in the tacrolimus group (post-transplant diabetes mellitus, glucose tolerance testing) but this was not statistically significant. Neoral® was associated with a significant increase in total cholesterol (P = 0·030) and low-density lipoprotein (P = 0·021) levels, which persisted throughout the study period.

Conclusion
Despite equivalent efficacy and pretransplantation risk factors for CAN, Neoral® was associated with increased allograft fibrosis and significantly higher serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with tacrolimus.
Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in screening and treatment of pancreatic endocrine tumours in asymptomatic patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Authors: Gauger P G , Scheiman J M , Wamsteker E-J , Richards M L , Doherty G M , Thompson N W 
Published: June 2003

Abstract

Background
Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 risk premature death from pancreatic endocrine tumours (PETs). Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the most sensitive imaging modality for small PETs. A screening and therapeutic approach for asymptomatic patients is delineated in which EUS plays a pivotal role.

Methods
This was a retrospective study of 15 patients with MEN-1 but with no symptoms of a PET. All patients underwent serum hormone measurement, including gastrin, and EUS. The findings were used to facilitate operative treatment.

Results
Six of 15 patients had a normal basal gastrin level and nine had a raised level. EUS demonstrated PETs in 14 patients and identified multiple lesions in 12. There was no predictive relationship between age or gastrin level and the number or size of PETs discovered. Thirteen patients have undergone enucleation or resection of PETs and two remain under observation. Nine of the 13 patients underwent transduodenal exploration to excise gastrinoma(s). One patient had lymph node metastases found at operation. There was no death. Self-limiting pancreatic fistula in five patients and biliary fistula in one.

Conclusion
Early and aggressive screening using EUS identifies PETs in asymptomatic patients with MEN-1. Detection of tumours at an early stage, before the development of symptoms, lymph node metastases or liver metastases, may facilitate prompt surgical intervention and improve prognosis.
Telemedicine in surgery
Authors: Eadie L H , Seifalian A M , Davidson B R 
Published: June 2003

Abstract

Background
Telemedicine is influencing surgical training, allows mentoring, proctoring and teleconferencing, and is increasingly being applied to carry out remote surgical procedures. A systematic review of the telemedicine systems available, along with a critical appraisal of their application, potential and limitations in the surgical field, has been undertaken.

Method
Medline, Ovid and internet searches were carried out using the keywords ‘telesurgery’, ‘telepresence surgery’ and ‘telemedicine and surgery’, along with hand searches of the two peer-reviewed telesurgery journals.

Results
Telementoring and teleconferencing have been used widely for surgical teaching and training. Two clinical telesurgery systems are currently available and have been trialled in patients undergoing a variety of operations including cholecystectomy, coronary artery bypass, prostatectomy and gastroplasty. Most studies have reported successful outcomes but with prolonged operating times. In 2002 the first long-distance telesurgery procedure was successfully performed.

Conclusion
Telemedicine has huge potential to alter surgical practice but improvements are required in telesurgical technology with respect to tactile feedback, instrumentation, telecommunication speed and availability. Issues of liability, legislation, cost and benefit require clarification. The future of telemedicine in surgery may lie in facilitating complex minimally invasive techniques.
Accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology in patients with radiation-induced thyroid neoplasms
Authors: Kikuchi S , Perrier N D , Ituarte P H G , Treseler P A , Siperstein A E , Duh Q-Y , Greenspan F S , Clark O H 
Published: June 2003

Abstract

Background
Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is useful for selecting patients with thyroid nodules for thyroidectomy. Its value in patients who have been exposed to low-dose therapeutic radiation is questionable because these patients have an increased risk of multifocal benign and malignant tumours, and thyroid cancer is common in such patients.

Methods
Between 1960 and 1999, 171 patients with one or more thyroid nodules who had a history of exposure to radiation underwent operation; 49 of these patients had preoperative FNAC. The cytology results in these 49 patients were compared with those of an age- and sex-matched control group of patients with thyroid nodules who did not have a history of radiation exposure.

Results
Of those who had been exposed to radiation, six of 20 patients with ‘benign’ cytology by FNAC and six of 16 patients with ‘suspicious’ cytology had thyroid cancer. All 13 specimens considered to be malignant on FNAC were indeed malignant. There was a higher rate of false-negative cytological examinations among patients with a history of irradiation that in those without.

Conclusion
FNAC of thyroid nodules in patients with a history of irradiation is not as accurate as that in non-irradiated patients, primarily because of coexisting occult thyroid cancers.
Systematic review of the safety and effectiveness of methods used to establish pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Merlin T L , Hiller J E , Maddern G J , Jamieson G G , Brown A R , Kolbe A 
Published: June 2003

Abstract

Background
A systematic review was conducted to determine which of the methods of obtaining peritoneal access and establishing pneumoperitoneum is the safest and most effective.

Methods
Studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified from six bibliographic databases up to May 2002, the internet, hand-searches and reference lists. They were critically appraised using a validated checklist and data were extracted using standardized protocols.

Results
Meta-analysis of prospective, non-randomized studies of open versus closed (needle/trocar) access indicated a trend during open access towards a reduced risk of major complications (pooled relative risk (RRp) 0·30, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·09 to 1·03). Open access was also associated with a trend towards a reduced risk of access-site herniation (RRp 0·21, 95 per cent c.i. 0·04 to 1·03) and, in non-obese patients, a 57 per cent reduced risk of minor complications (RRp 0·43, 95 per cent c.i. 0·20 to 0·92) and a trend for fewer conversions to laparotomy (RRp 0·21, 95 per cent c.i. 0·04 to 1·17). Data on major complications in studies of direct trocar versus needle/trocar access were inconclusive. Minor complications in randomized controlled trials were fewer with direct trocar access (RRp 0·19, 95 per cent c.i. 0·09 to 0·40), predominantly owing to a reduction in extraperitoneal insufflation.

Conclusion
The evidence on the comparative safety and effectiveness of the different access methods was not definitive, but there were trends in the data that merit further exploration.
Sentinel lymph node mapping in colorectal cancer
Authors: Mulsow J , Winter D C , O'Keane J C , O'Connell P R 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundUltrastaging, by serial sectioning combined with immunohistochemical techniques, improves detection of lymph node micrometastases. Sentinel lymph node mapping and retrieval provides a representative node(s) to facilitate ultrastaging. The impact on staging of carcinoma of the colon and rectum in all series emphasizes the importance of this technique in cancer management. Now the challenge is to determine the biological relevance and prognostic implications.MethodsThe electronic literature (1966 to present) on sentinel node mapping in carcinoma of the colon and rectum was reviewed. Further references were obtained by cross-referencing from key articles.ResultsLymphatic mapping appears to be readily applicable to colorectal cancer and identifies those lymph nodes most likely to harbour metastases. Sentinel node mapping carries a false-negative rate of approximately 10 per cent in larger studies, but will also potentially upstage a proportion of patients from node negative to node positive following the detection of micrometastases. The prognostic implication of these micrometastases requires further evaluation.ConclusionFurther follow-up to assess the prognostic significance of micrometastases in colorectal cancer is required before the staging benefits of sentinel node mapping can have therapeutic implications.
A comparison of video-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy and radical lymph node dissection for squamous cell cancer of the oesophagus with open operation
Authors: Osugi H , Takemura M , Higashino M , Takada N , Lee S , Kinoshita H 
Published: June 2003

Abstract
The original article to which this erratum refers was published in British Journal of Surgery 2003; 90: 108–113.
Identification of spinal neurons involved in the urethrogenital reflex in the female rat
Authors: Marson Lesley , Cai Rong , Makhanova Natalia 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe urethrogenital (UG) reflex is a spinal sexual reflex that consists of autonomic and somatic nerve activity and vaginal, uterine, and anal sphincter contractions. The UG reflex is under tonic descending inhibition by neurons in the region of the nucleus paragigantocellularis (nPGi). The location of spinal neurons activated by the UG reflex was examined in the female rat using the immediate early gene, c‐fos. In addition, the descending inputs from the nPGi onto fos‐activated neurons was examined using the anterograde tracer biotin dextran amine injected into the nPGi. The UG reflex resulted in a significant increase in fos‐positive nuclei in segments T12–S1, compared with experimental controls in which the UG reflex was not activated. Spinal circuits involved in the UG reflex include neurons relaying afferent information from the pudendal sensory nerve, in the dorsal horn and medial cord of L5–S1. Efferent output includes preganglionic neurons located in the lateral gray of L5–S1 and lateral and medial gray of T13–L2. Spinal interneurons involved in the UG reflex were found close to the preganglionic neurons and in the dorsal horn and intermediate and medial gray of T12–S1. NPGi inputs were found primarily on the autonomic efferents and interneurons in the medial and intermediate gray. These studies demonstrate multisegmental spinal circuits activated with the UG reflex and demonstrate that the descending inhibition from the nPGi is by means of preganglionic and somatic efferents and spinal interneurons closely associated with the efferent output. J. Comp. Neurol. 462:355–370, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cholinergic neuropathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: German Dwight C. , Yazdani Umar , Speciale Samuel G. , Pasbakhsh Parichehr , Games Dora , Liang Chang‐Lin 
Published: June 2003

AbstractTransgenic mice overexpressing mutant human amyloid precursor protein (PDAPP mice) develop several Alzheimer's disease (AD)–like lesions including an age‐related accumulation of amyloid‐β (Aβ)–containing neuritic plaques. Although aged, heterozygous PDAPP mice also exhibit synaptic and glial cell changes characteristic of AD pathology, no evidence of widespread neuronal loss has been observed. The present study sought to determine whether homozygous PDAPP mice, which express very high levels of Aβ peptide, exhibit AD‐like cholinergic degenerative changes, and whether the changes parallel the deposition of Aβ plaques. Mice were examined at 2 and 4 months and at 1 and 2 years of age. There was an age‐related increase in the density of Aβ plaques in the cortex and hippocampus of the PDAPP animals; at 4 months of age there were very few plaques, and at 2 years there was a very high density of plaques. There was an age‐related reduction in the density of cholinergic nerve terminals in the cerebral cortex; at 2 months there was a normal density of nerve terminals, but as early as age 4 months there was an approximately 50% reduction. However, at age 2 years there was no difference in the number or size of basal forebrain cholinergic somata compared with 2‐month‐old PDAPP mice. These data indicated that the homozygous PDAPP mouse exhibits cholinergic nerve terminal degenerative pathology and that the cortical neurodegenerative changes occur before the deposition of Aβ‐containing neuritic plaques. J. Comp. Neurol. 462:371–381, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two epochs in the development of γ‐aminobutyric acidergic neurons in the ferret thalamus
Authors: Hayes Shawn G. , Murray Karl D. , Jones Edward G. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThese studies chart the development of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic neurons in the three divisions of the thalamus (ventral thalamus, dorsal thalamus, and epithalamus). GABAergic neurons were identified by in situ hybridization to localize mRNA for 67‐kDa glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) and related to the morphological maturation of the thalamus in fetal and postnatal brains and to expression of transcription factors Gbx‐2 and Tbr‐1. Origins of GABAergic neurons were sought in in vitro slice preparations incubated in bromodeoxyuridine or injected with a carbocyanine dye. GABA neurons of ventral thalamus (reticular nucleus, ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, zona incerta, and nucleus of the fields of Forel) and of epithalamus appear at least 14 days before those intrinsic to dorsal thalamus. Ventral thalamus GABA cells are derived from a region connecting the ventricular zone of the third ventricle to the caudal ganglionic eminence. This region is delimited ventrally by the Tbr‐1‐expressing prethalamic eminence and dorsally by the Gbx‐2‐expressing part of the dorsal thalamus. GABA neurons of epithalamus are derived from the embryonic pretectum. Neurons continue to be added to the ventral thalamus, perireticular nucleus, entopeduncular nucleus, and substantia nigra from the ganglionic eminence as development proceeds. GAD67‐expressing cells of dorsal thalamus become detectable only at birth and populate the thalamus from posterior to anterior over the first week of life. Although a very small number reaches the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus from the caudal ganglionic eminence, there is no obvious new source of proliferating neurons at this stage. Intrinsic GABA cells of dorsal thalamus may, therefore, derive from an early generated population of cells that turns on a GABAergic phenotype only late in development. J. Comp. Neurol. 463:45–65, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ascending sensory, but not other long‐tract axons, regenerate into the connective tissue matrix that forms at the site of a spinal cord injury in mice
Authors: Inman Denise M. , Steward Oswald 
Published: June 2003

AbstractMice exhibit a unique wound healing response following spinal cord injury in which the lesion site fills in with a connective tissue matrix. Previous studies have revealed that axons grow into this matrix, but the source of the axons remained unknown. The present study assesses whether any of these axons were the result of long tract regeneration. C57Bl/6 mice received crush injuries and were allowed to survive for 6 weeks to 7 months. Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) was injected into the somato‐motor cortex to trace descending corticospinal tract (CST) axons, into the midbrain to label descending brainstem pathways including the rubrospinal and reticulospinal tracts, or into the L5 dorsal root ganglion to trace ascending projections of first‐order sensory neurons. Spinal cords from other mice were prepared for immunocytochemistry using antibodies against neurofilament protein (NF), 5‐HT to reveal descending serotonergic axons, calcitonin gene‐related protein (CGRP) to reveal ascending sensory axons, and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) to assess the distribution of molecules that are inhibitory to axon growth. NF immunostaining revealed axons in the connective tissue matrix at the lesion site, confirming previous studies that used protargol staining. CST axons did not enter the connective tissue matrix, but did sprout extensively in segments adjacent to the injury site. Rubrospinal and reticulospinal tract axons also did not grow into the lesion site. 5‐HT‐positive axons extended to the edge of the lesion, and a few axons followed astrocyte processes into the margins of the lesion site. In contrast to the other pathways, BDA‐labeled ascending sensory axons did extend into and arborized extensively within the connective tissue matrix, although the subgroup of ascending axons that are positive for CGRP did not. These results indicate that the connective tissue matrix is permissive for regeneration of some classes of ascending sensory axons but not for other axonal systems. J. Comp. Neurol. 462:431–449, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.