bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood flow, acidity and atrophic changes of the gastric mucosa in Mongolian gerbils infected with Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Miyazaki Sebastião Mitsuji , Matsuda Mimian Graciela , Misumi Atsunobu , Honmyo Ubehiko , Murakami Akitoshi , Murata Hiroshi , Sagara Katsuro , Kurano Ryouichi , Okabe Hiroaki 
Published: March 2003

Background:We used a Mongolian gerbil model to evaluate the effects of long‐term Helicobacter pylori infection on blood flow, gastric acidity and atrophic change of the gastric mucosa.Methods:Infected animals were divided into eight groups according to the duration of infection: 3 months infection (MI), 6 MI, 9 MI, 12 MI, 18 MI, 24 MI, 30 MI and 36 MI (n = 6 in the 3–30 MI groups and n = 11 in the 36 MI group). Control animals were divided into the same eight groups (3–36 MC; n = 6 in each group). Blood flow and gastric acidity were measured and atrophic changes were analyzed in each group. The gastric mucosa was divided into areas termed F (chief cells observed continuously), f1 (number of chief cells decreased and no longer continuous), f2 (parietal cells scattered and chief cells not seen) and P (only pyloric glands observed). Atrophic changes were classified as normal, mild, moderate and severe on the basis of the percentage of the F area and the presence or absence of the f2 area.Results:Blood flow did not show any significant difference between the control groups, but decreased significantly in the 12–36 MI groups compared with the 3–9 MI groups (P < 0.0001). The pH was significantly higher in the 12–36 MC groups than in the 6 and 9 MC groups (P < 0.002). The pH was significantly higher in the 9–36 MI groups than in the 6 MI group (P < 0.006). Atrophic changes were not found in the 3–9 MC groups, but mild atrophic changes were observed in the 12–24 MC groups and moderate atrophic changes were observed in the 30 and 36 MC groups. Atrophic changes were moderate in the 3–18 MI groups and severe in the 24–36 MI groups.Conclusion:The present study shows that atrophic changes progress with aging naturally and that H. pylori infection accelerates this change to induce a severe decrease in blood flow and gastric acid secretion.
Telomerase activity in gastric cancer
Authors: Jinping Ma , Wenhua Zhan , Shirong Cai , Junsheng Peng , Jianping Wang 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE: To examine telomerase activity and its clinical significance in human gastric carcinoma and to evaluate the feasibility of non‐radioisotopic TRAP (telomeric repeat amplification protocol) assays to detect telomerase activity. METHODS: Telomerase activity in tissue samples from 58 gastric carcinomas (and their matched normal tissues), 12 gastric adenomas and nine gastric ulcers was examined by using a modified non‐ radioisotopic PCR (polymerase chain reaction)‐based TRAP assay. RESULTS: Forty‐nine of 58 gastric cancer specimens were positive for telomerase activity, with a positive rate of 84.5%. In contrast, none of the normal tissues exhibited telomerase activity (P < 0.001). One of each of the 12 gastric adenomas and nine gastric ulcers was also positive. The prevalence of telomerase activity in gastric carcinoma tissues was not correlated with age, tumor diameter, histological grade, tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis or tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage. CONCLUSIONS: Telomerase activity could be a good diagnostic marker for the detection of gastric carcinoma. The non‐radioisotopic TRAP assay is a feasible method for detecting telomerase activity.
Inhibitory effect of arsenic trioxide on peritoneal metastasis in nude mice with colon cancer
Authors: Hongpei Cai , Zhihua Deng , Shi Li , Xingrong Zhang , Jianwei Shen 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of As2O3 on the peritoneal metastasis of colon cancer in nude mice. METHODS: BALB/c‐nu/nu mice were injected intraperitoneally with Lovo cells and were allocated to five groups at random: control, epirubicin and varying concentrations of As2O3. The length of their survival period and rates of tumorigenesis and ascitic fluid formation were evaluated. RESULTS: Epirubicin and low doses of As2O3 clearly inhibited ascitic fluid formation and extended the survival period of tumor‐bearing nude mice. Moderate and large doses of As2O3 were able to eradicate cancer cells through apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: As2O3 can induce apoptosis in intraperitoneal colon cancer cells, inhibit ascitic fluid formation and extend the survival periods of nude mice to varying degrees.
Clinical application of transarterial thermochemotherapy in hepatic cancer
Authors: Jijin Yang , Qingde Kong , Jianming Tian , Zhaoshen Li , Yulin Ma , Xinjun Gao , Wenliang Zhou 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of transhepatic arterial infusion with warm chemotherapeutic agents in treating hepatic cancer. METHODS: Thirty‐five cases of hepatic cancer were treated with transhepatic arterial thermochemotherapy. Lipiodol, 5‐Fu and carbonplatinum were warmed to 60–65°C before infusion into the hepatic arteries. Nine patients had two or more treatments and the effectiveness of this treatment was compared with that observed in 14 patients who received ordinary interventional treatment within the same period. Four patients had their tumors removed 2–3 months later and the pathological results were compared with those of four other patients who received regular treatment. RESULTS: The tumor growth rate of the thermochemotherapy group was –10 ± 33.3%, while that of the control group was 36.4 ± 59.0%, a statistically significant difference. The tumor necrosis rates on the axial sections of the resected samples were 93.5%± 5.97% and 73.5%± 28.3%, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant. Microscopically, the pathological changes in the two groups were similar. Only one patient in each group had arterial injury. Comparing the thermochemotherapy group (19 cases) with the control group (22 cases), all of whom received ‘sandwich’ therapy, we found that the prevalence of mild–moderate adverse effects was 72.7 and 63.6%, respectively, while that of severe adverse effects was 26.3 and 37.4%, respectively. However, these differences were of no statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Transhepatic arterial perfusion of warmed Lipiodol and chemotherapeutic agents (60–65°C) combined with hepatic arterial embolization with gelfoam is a simple and safe method for treating hepatic cancer. It can markedly enhance the effectiveness of simple transarterial interventional therapy.
Prospective study of diagnostic value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in cholangiopancreatic diseases
Authors: ZHI Fa Chao , YAN Zhi Qiang , LI Xiao Lin , ZHU Jian Xin , CHEN Cun Long , ZHANG Xue Lin , ZHOU Dian Yuan 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE:  To compare the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreato­graphy (ERCP) in the detection of cholangiopan­creatic diseases via a prospective study.METHODS:  Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed in 63 patients with suspected cholangiopancreatic diseases and followed by ERCP within 24 h. The MRCP and ERCP images were analyzed and compared.RESULTS:  Of the 63 patients studied, 56 (88.9%) were correctly diagnosed by using ERCP and seven (11.1%) by using percutaneous transhepatic cholangio­graphy (PTC); however, all these patients were successfully diagnosed by using MRCP. Cholangio­pancreatic diseases were diagnosed by MRCP with a sensitivity of 98.2%, a specificity of 83.3%, a misdiagnostic rate of 16.7% and a missed diagnostic rate of 1.8%. The total concordance rate of MRCP, ERCP and PTC was 85.7%. For specific conditions, the concordance rates were as follows: biliary calculi 100%; tumors of the bile duct 92.9%; papillary lesions 70.6%; hepatic distomiasis 66.7%; chronic pancreatitis 100%. The complications associated with ERCP were five cases of acute pancreatitis and one case of perinephric abscess. The patient with perinephric abscess had previously had a B‐II operation. The complication rate associated with ERCP was 9.5% (6/63), but no complications were associated with MRCP.CONCLUSION:  We conclude that MRCP is as effective as ERCP for the diagnosis of bile duct lesions, such as biliary calculi and tumors, but not for papillary lesions and liver fluke infections. Although MRCP can be used in patients who can’t tolerate ERCP or when there are contraindications to using ERCP, it should not be used for therapeutic purposes.
Post‐thyroidectomy sore throat following endotracheal intubation
Authors: Hisham Abdullah N. , Roshilla Hashim , Amri Nil , Aina Emran N. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Sore throat is not an uncommon complaint following general anaesthesia (GA) with endotracheal intubation. It has been a source of considerable discomfort particularly in those patients who had thyroid surgery. Driven by the increased number of patients with post‐intubation sore throat following thyroid surgery, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the contributing factors of sore throat in patients who had thyroid surgery under general anaesthesia.Methods:  A total of 57 consecutive patients who had thyroid surgery from November 1998 to April 1999 was included in this prospective study. Factors such as intubation time, number of intubation attempts, size and type of endotracheal tube (ETT) used, gender and age were recorded. The nature and extent of the surgical procedures were also studied. Postoperative symptoms were assessed by questionnaire on the day after surgery and the different parameters were compared and analysed.Results:  The incidence of post‐intubation sore throat following thyroid surgery was documented in 39 (68.4%) patients. Twenty‐seven (47.4%) patients had a mild complaint of sore throat, which resolved after the third day. The data from the present study show that the size of ETT and extent of surgical procedure were significant contributing factors affecting the postoperative recovery.Conclusion:  The outcome of the present study demonstrated a substantial increased incidence of sore throat after thyroid surgery under GA. Postoperative sore throat following thyroid surgery under GA may be caused by multiple contributing factors. Nonetheless effort and care should be taken during endotracheal intubation and surgery to reduce this unpleasant complaint arising mainly from pharyngeal irritation or trauma.
Palliative surgery for neoplastic unilateral vocal cord paralysis
Authors: Iseli Tim A. , Brown Christopher L. , Sizeland Andrew M. , Berkowitz Robert G. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic neoplasms are the commonest causes of unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP). The aim of the present study was to evaluate both survival and results of treatment of vocal cord medialization procedures in this group of patients.Methods:  Fifty‐seven patients (36 male, 21 female) with UVCP considered to be due to advanced malignancy who underwent medialization (Teflon injection or type I thyroplasty) between January 1994 and July 2000 were retrospectively reviewed.Results:  The malignancy responsible for UVCP was non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in 43 patients, small‐cell lung car­cinoma (SCLC) in four patients, thyroid carcinoma in three patients and metastatic lower cervical lymph nodes in seven patients. All patients complained of dysphonia and 29 patients had symptoms of aspiration. Teflon injection was performed in 44 patients and thyroplasty in 13. Improvement in voice occurred in 51 patients (89%) and resolution of aspiration in 28 patients (97%) after 2 months. The median time from onset of symptoms of UVCP to death in NSCLC was 170 days; SCLC, 69 days; thyroid carcinoma, 783 days; and metastatic lower cervical lymph nodes, 304 days.Conclusion:  Surgical treatment of neoplastic UVCP provides satisfactory palliation of symptoms, and management decisions should be based on patient survival expectations.
Acute epiglottitis in adults: the Royal Melbourne Hospital experience
Authors: Wong Elaine Y. H. , Berkowitz Robert G. 
Published: March 2003

Background:   To examine the common presentations and management of acute epiglottitis in adults.Method:  Retrospective clinical study of 17 consecutive adult patients who presented to the Royal Melbourne Hospital between January 1988 and December 2000 was undertaken.Results:   The mean patient age was 47 years (range 20–87 years) and the male‐to‐female ratio was 1.8 : 1.0. Peak incidence occurred in September during early spring. All patients presented with sore throat and dysphagia; however, respiratory distress was only noted in 65%. The most common signs were temperature and tachycardia. Four patients (23%) required endotracheal intubation, which was performed electively in three and as an emergency in one. Three of 14 blood cultures were positive, two yielded Haemophilus influenzae type b and one yielded Streptococcus mitis. One of the four throat cultures was positive for Haemophilus influenzae type b. Twelve patients underwent awake flexible laryngoscopy under topical anaesthetic as part of their initial assessment, and there were no complications associated with this procedure. There was no mortality.Conclusions:   The diagnosis of acute epiglottitis in the adult population is difficult as respiratory distress may be absent. Patients who have a significant sore throat with no obvious aetiology should have direct visualization of their larynx by flexible laryngoscopy. Lateral X‐ray of neck is of limited value. Once diagnosed, these patients should be hospitalized and monitored as airway obstruction may develop rapidly.
Eversion carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Iseli Tim A. , Puttaswamy Vikram , Campbell William A. , Atkinson Noel R. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Eversion carotid endarterectomy (ECEA) is a technique that obviates the need for traditional longitudinal arteriotomy and patch closure, with low stroke and restenosis rates. The aim of the present study was to report an Australian experience and technique of ECEA. Methods: All patients who underwent ECEA by the investigating surgeons between October 1997 and July 2000 were followed up clinically and with duplex ultrasound. The technique of ECEA is described. Results: One hundred and fifty‐two ECEA were performed, 13 combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The combined perioperative stroke and death rate was 2%; 0.65% excluding CABG combined cases. This compares with 2.9% for standard carotid endarterectomy throughout Victoria. Significant restenosis occurred in 2.6% after a mean follow up of 21.7 months. Conclusion: ECEA is a simple and safe alternative to standard carotid endarterectomy.
The submental artery island flap for head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Merten S. L. , Jiang R. P. , Caminer D. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Following excisional surgery for head and neck cancer, most complex defects are reconstructed using microvascular free tissue transfer. These methods offer many advantages; however, they are of increasing complexity with attendant risks of flap loss and donor site problems. The submental artery island flap is a recently described local flap that may be used for reconstruction of the lower and middle thirds of the face and oral cavity, and offers the advantages of simplicity, reliability and excellent cosmesis. We have been using this flap as an alternative to free tissue transfer, and in this paper we present our series of 11 cases, after a review of the recent literature, anatomy and surgical technique. The advantages and limitations of the use of this flap are presented. Methods: A consecutive series of 11 patients in which this reconstruction was performed was reviewed retrospectively, and the results studied. Advantages and disadvantages of this reconstructive method were determined to define appropriate indications and contra‐indications for its use. Results: We have used this flap in 11 patients for post‐excisional soft tissue reconstruction of the head and neck, both as skin and as a mucosal replacement. In all but two patients the results were satisfactory, with excellent cosmesis when used as skin replacement. One patient required secondary debulking and one had complete flap loss. In all, the donor site was satisfactory. Conclusions: The Submenal Artery Island Flap is a useful addition to the reconstructive surgeon’s options and has definite advantages over distant flaps in terms of ease of dissection, final cosmetic appearance and donor site appearance.
Rectal cancer in Victoria in 1994: Patterns of reported management
Authors: Farmer K. Chip , Penfold Campbell , Millar Jeremy L. , Zalcberg John , McLeish John A. , Thomas Robert J. S. , Lade Stephen , Thursfield Vicky J. , Giles Graham G. 
Published: March 2003

Background: A retrospective survey of medical practitioners was conducted to describe the management of patients newly diagnosed with rectal cancer in 1994, prior to the publication of best practice guidelines. Methods: A sample of 908 patients with rectal cancer diagnosed between 1 January and 31 December 1994 was identified from the Victorian Cancer Registry. Questionnaires were then sent to the treating doctor(s) for completion. The topics covered by the questionnaires included: reported management by method of diagnosis; staging investigations; and treatment by surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Results: Seven hundred and twenty‐six (80%) of 908 eligible patients were surveyed. Surgery was the primary treatment in 681 (93.8%) with curative intent in 483 (70.9%) of these cases. One‐ third (163; 33.7%) of curative cases were pathologically staged as Dukes’ C. Almost all patients (96%) were symptomatic, and three‐quarters were referred by general practitioners to 166 surgeons. One‐third (221; 32.5%) underwent liver computed tomography or ultrasound, and only three cases had transrectal ultrasound. Restorative anterior resection was the most common surgical procedure (431; 63.3%) with 160 (23.5%) and 34 (5.0%) patients being managed with abdominoperineal resections and local excision, respectively. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were administered as part of the initial management to 216 (31.7%) and 171 (25.1%) patients, respectively. In five of the 171 cases, radiotherapy was given preoperatively. Conclusions: There was considerable variation in preoperative assessment. Staging was less complete than expected by today’s standards. The diversity of surgical techniques observed may reflect both the lack of clinical trials and disparity in surgical training and experience. Referral to stomal therapists, and medical and radiation oncologists was lower than would now be expected, as was the use and timing of adjuvant therapies. These findings will be useful as a baseline for comparison with subsequent surveys conducted since the introduction of evidence‐based guidelines.
Survival from colorectal cancer in Victoria: 10‐year follow up of the 1987 management survey
Authors: McLeish John A. , Thursfield Vicky J. , Giles Graham G. 
Published: March 2003

Background: In 1987, the Victorian Cancer Registry identified a population‐based sample of patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer for an audit of management following resection. Over 10 years have passed since this survey, and data on the survival of these patients (incorporating various prognostic indicators collected at the time of the survey) are now discussed in the present report.Methods: Relative survival analysis was conducted for each prognostic indicator separately and then combined in a multivariate model.Results: Relative survival at 5 years for patients undergoing curative resections was 76% compared with 7% for those whose treatment was considered palliative. Survival at 10 years was little changed (73% and 7% respectively). Survival did not differ significantly by sex or age irrespective of treatment intention. In the curative group, only stage was a significant predictor of survival. Multivariate analysis was performed only for the curative group. Adjusting for all variables simultaneously, stage was the only ­significant predictor of survival. Patients with Dukes’ stage C disease were at a significantly greater risk (OR 5.5 (1.7−17.6)) than those with Dukes’ A. Neither tumour site, sex, age, surgeon activity level nor adjuvant therapies made a significant contribution to the model.
Wound healing and growth factor expression in T lymphocyte deficiency
Authors: Chircop Matthew P. , Yu Yan , Berney Christopher R. , Yang Jia‐Lin , Crowe Philip J. , Walsh William R. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  There are many clinical situations in which immune suppression or deficiency occurs. This may lead to healing impairment. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effect of T lymphocyte deficiency on wound healing, and on ­platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) expression, using an animal model.Methods:  Nude and normal 10−12‐week‐old male BALB/c mice were given standard dermal incisions and killed at 1, 2, 4 or 6 weeks postinjury. The pelts were harvested and the wounds cut (perpendicularly) into strips for analysis. Strips from each animal were tested mechanically or processed for histological assessment and immunohistochemical detection of PDGF, bFGF and IGF‐1 and colour video image analysis. The data were assessed by analysis of variance (anova).Results:  The interaction between species and time resulted in statistically significant differences in mechanical properties. Wound peak load was higher in nude mice at weeks 1 and 2 postinjury, but lower in nude mice at week 6 postinjury. Colour video image analysis demonstrated that the expression of bFGF and IGF‐1 was greater in nude mice at week 1 postinjury (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  The mechanical data suggest that the overall effect of the T lymphocyte system on wound healing is initially inhibitory and later stimulatory. This may be associated with corresponding differences in wound growth factor expression.
Why not use a small incision to treat large hydroceles?
Authors: Chalasani Venu , Woo Henry H. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Operative treatment of large hydroceles generally requires a large incision.Methods:  A technique is described which permits a traditional Jaboulay's or Lord's repair to be done through a 3 cm incision.Results:  Twenty patients with large hydroceles were operated on from June 2000 to November 2001 using this technique and to date, only one patient has had a recurrence. There has been no occurrence of either scrotal wound infection or haematoma ­formation.Conclusions:  A hydrocele repair of the surgeon's choice can be done safely through a 3 cm incision.
Use of octreotide and lanreotide in the treatment of symptomatic non‐resectable carcinoid tumours
Authors: Rohaizak Muhammad , Farndon John Richard 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Carcinoid tumours are rare neoplasms that secrete hormones and biogenic amines, most commonly serotonin. Octreotide and long acting lanreotide are found to be useful in the management of carcinoid syndrome by its interaction with somatostatin receptor, found on the carcinoid tumour. The aim of this study is to look at the efficacy of octreotide and long acting lanreotide in the treatment of symptomatic non‐resectable carcinoid tumours.
Method:  The effects of octreotide and long‐acting lanreotide were studied in 10 patients with symptomatic non‐resectable carcinoid tumours.
Results:  Symptom improvement occurred in nine of 10 patients. Three patients responded only to octreotide, three patients responded to both octreotide and long‐acting lanreotide and three patients only responded to long‐acting lanreotide. Slight reductions in 24‐h urine 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels occurred in three of six patients but no patients were found to have objective tumour regression on computed tomography scan.
Conclusions:  Octreotide and long‐acting lanreotide are useful palliative treatments for the control of symptoms in patients with non‐resectable carcinoid tumours but there is no evidence of tumour stasis.