bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Preoperative Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Resectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Relation between Postoperative Course and the Pattern of Tumor Recurrence
Authors: Sugo Hiroyuki , Futagawa Shunji , Beppu Tomoe , Fukasawa Masaki , Kojima Kuniaki 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe effects of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) were retrospectively evaluated in patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 227 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC were studied (146 underwent preoperative TACE and 81 did not). We compared operative outcome, mortality, and disease‐free survival between TACE and non‐TACE groups. We also compared the pattern of recurrence and postrecurrence survival between subgroups according to staging. Of the 227 patients, 105 with tumor stage I‐II were assigned to group A (group A/TACE,n= 69; group A/non‐TACE,n= 36), and the remaining 122 with tumor stage III‐IV were assigned to group B (group B/TACE,n=77; group B/non‐TACE,n=45). Complete necrosis was found to be more frequent in the TACE group (p< 0.01). Operating time, blood loss, and mortality did not differ between those who did and did not undergo preoperative TACE. TACE did not significantly improve disease‐free survival within either the entire TACE group or group A/TACE. In contrast, in group B/TACE the disease‐free survival rates were significantly higher than in group B/non‐TACE. Furthermore, both extrahepatic metastasis and diffuse intrahepatic metastasis were significantly more frequent in group B/non‐TACE than in group B/TACE. The preoperative TACE also improved the postrecurrence survival in group B. We speculate that preoperative TACE reduced tumor recurrence and that it might confer a survival advantage after surgery, particularly in patients with advanced HCC. In addition, it is expected that this procedure may improve the pattern of tumor recurrence when it does occur.
High Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin G Pretreatment: Effect on Lipid Peroxidation and Reperfusion Injury to the Liver
Authors: Giakoustidis Dimitrios , Papageorgiou George , Kostopoulou Evanthia , Iliadis Stavros , Giakoustidis Alexandros , Kontos Nikolas , Tsantilas Dimitrios , Botsoglou Nikolaos 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) compared with that of gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) in the inhibition of Kupffer cell activation on lipid peroxidation after severe total hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into four equal groups: a sham‐operation group, a control I/R group, and two I/R groups pretreated with either IVIG or GdCl3 intravenously. Following 60 minutes of total hepatic ischemia and 120 minutes of reperfusion, the rats were sacrificed and liver and blood samples collected. Additional animals (n = 80) were followed up for survival rate determination. Results showed that I/R decreased the survival rate to 10%, increased the levels of aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum to 2487, 2189, and 4236 IU/L, respectively, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver to 1.552 nmol/g compared with 1.114 nmol/g in the sham operation group. Pretreatment with GdCl3 increased the survival rate to 50% and decreased the levels of AST, ALT, and LDH in serum to 1496, 1298, and 3245 IU/l, respectively. Pretreatment with IVIG increased the survival rate to 60% and decreased the levels of AST, ALT, and LDH in serum to 449, 367, and 1456 IU/l, respectively, and the levels of MDA in liver to 1.153 and 1.148 nmol/g for GdCl3 and IVIG respectively. Histologic examination showed protection of liver parenchyma in the animals treated with GdCl3 or IVIG.
Higher Age Predicts Adverse Outcome and Readmission after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Järvinen Otso , Huhtala Heini , Laurikka Jari , Tarkka Matti R. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe present prospective clinical study was carried out to investigate the effect of age on mortality, morbidity, and readmission rates after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Data on 1131 consecutive CABG patients were collected in a surgical center and in all 18 secondary referral hospitals up to 3 months after discharge. Analysis was based on three age groups: 64 years or less (510 patients), 65 to 74 years (448 patients), and 75 years or more (173 patients). Thirty‐day mortality rates were 1.6% for the youngest, 5.4% for the middle age group, and 6.9% for the oldest. Major complications occurred in 10.8%, 21.2%, and 24.9% of these patients, respectively. Higher age was associated with more readmissions to health care facilities: The oldest patients had a rate twice as high as those in the youngest group (34.5% vs. 18.6%). Atrial fibrillation (15.4%), chest pain (10.6%), and congestive heart failure (8.5%) were the most common reasons for readmission. In conclusion, elderly patients, who are often suboptimal candidates for CABG, have higher 30‐day mortality, higher morbidity, longer length of stay in health care facilities, and an increased risk of readmission within 3 months after CABG; age was an independent predictor of 30‐day mortality and postdischarge readmission. Despite the higher risk of adverse events after surgery, three out of four elderly patients recover uneventfully.
Memory Outcome after Selective Amygdalohippocampectomy in Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: One‐year Follow‐up
Authors: Gleissner Ulrike , Helmstaedter Christoph , Schramm Johannes , Elger Christian E. 
Published: July 2004

Summary:  Purpose: In a previous study we reported clinically significant memory declines 3 months after selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH) in 140 patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, particularly if the resection was left‐sided. We supposed that the observed postoperative impairments might have reflected acute effects of surgery. Therefore we evaluated in the present study whether a recovery can be found 1 year after surgery. Methods: Verbal and nonverbal memory functions were assessed in 115 patients before and 3 and 12 months after unilateral SAH. Results: No recovery of postoperative verbal memory declines was found in the left‐SAH group. Clinically meaningful losses were still evident in 33 to 50% of patients. In right‐SAH patients, a recovery of verbal memory was indicated, and effects of surgical complications were no longer evident. One year after surgery, the corresponding preoperative performance was the only significant predictor of a postoperative change in the left‐SAH group. Conclusions: Verbal memory decline observed 3 months after left SAH is persistent 1 year after surgery. Declines in verbal memory, which were observed in some right‐SAH patients at the short‐term follow‐up, seem to be temporary.
Cardiovascular Regulation and Hippocampal Sclerosis
Authors: Ansakorpi Hanna , Korpelainen Juha T. , Tanskanen Päivikki , Huikuri Heikki V. , Koivula Antero , Tolonen Uolevi , Pyhtinen Juhani , Myllylä Vilho V. , Isojärvi Jouko I. T. 
Published: July 2004

Summary: Purpose:Cardiovascular dysregulation has been detected in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) by using cardiovascular reflex tests and analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). The two methods have not previously been used in the same study to compare them in the assessment of cardioregulatory function. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the best method to reveal structural changes such as hippocampal sclerosis associated with TLE. It is not known whether these structural changes modify cardioregulatory function in patients with TLE.Methods:Standard cardiovascular reflex tests and analysis of spectral and dynamic measures from 24‐h electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were performed for eight patients with and 31 patients without hippocampal sclerosis and for 72 control subjects. MRI also was performed in each patient to reveal hippocampal sclerosis.Results:Various measures of cardiovascular reflexes and HRV were diminished in patients with TLE compared with the control subjects. No significant differences were found in the measures obtained from the cardiovascular reflex tests or analysis of HRV between those with and without hippocampal sclerosis, although a nonsignificant trend toward reduced values was seen among those with hippocampal sclerosis. The values of cardiovascular reflexes and spectral analysis of HRV correlated with each other.Conclusions:These results suggest that functional rather than structural changes related to TLE are involved mainly as a mechanism of altered cardioregulatory function. The cardiovascular reflex test and analysis of HRV both appear to be useful in studying cardioregulation in patients with TLE.
The role of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in the pathogenesis of varicocele in a rat model and efficiency of vitamin E treatment
Authors: Cam Kamil , Simsek Ferruh , Yuksel Meral , Turker Levent , Haklar Goncagul , Yalcin Suha , Akdas Atif 
Published: July 2004

SummaryWe investigated role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis in the pathogenesis of infertility in experimental model of varicocele. The protective effect of vitamin E was also examined. Three groups of rats were constructed as the first group had sham operation, experimental varicoceles were established by partial ligation of the left renal vein in later two groups. Third group had received vitamin E. Production of ROS was determined by chemiluminescence assay (CL). The in situ end labelling technique was utilized to investigate apoptosis. Tissue vitamin E levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The differences between luminol enhanced CL levels of groups were not statistically significant. However, the difference between CL levels of lucigenin probe in left testicles of sham and varicocele groups were statistically significant ( p = 0.0007). Similarly, the results of the third group receiving vitamin E significantly differed from the varicocele group ( p = 0.0025). The difference of apoptotic index was also statistically significant between sham and varicocele groups ( p = 0.0038). Although the values of apoptotic index detected in the vitamin E group were lower compared with the varicocele group, the difference was not significant. This study proposes that ROS production and apoptosis in the testicles were induced with experimental varicocele. Vitamin E had a protective role. An increased rate of apoptosis with experimental varicocele suggests a molecular alteration, which may involve ROS overproduction as the triggering mechanism. Consequently, this study indicates an association between varicocele and infertility at molecular level through stimulation of ROS and apoptosis.
Galanin‐Like Peptide as a Link Between Metabolism and Reproduction
Authors: Cunningham M. J. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractGalanin‐like peptide (GALP) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that binds and activates galanin receptors in vitro. Following the discovery of GALP, researchers have attempted to properly place it in the context of galanin receptor physiology. Central injections of GALP have revealed some common actions with galanin, such as acutely increased food intake and suppression of the thyroid axis. Other actions are unique to GALP, such as long‐term inhibition of food intake and stimulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in male rats. GALP and galanin also produce differential effects on expression of the immediate early gene product Fos in the brain. Determining which of these actions are dependent on galanin receptors (versus a putative GALP‐specific receptor), as well as which actions represent the authentic physiology of endogenous GALP will require continued experimentation. GALP gene expression is positively regulated by several hormones involved in the control of energy balance and metabolism, namely leptin, insulin and thyroid hormone. Based on current evidence, GALP neurones may serve as a hypothalamic relay, transmitting information from the periphery to circuits within the brain involved in the physiological control of metabolism and reproduction.
Neuroendocrinological and Molecular Aspects of Insect Reproduction
Authors: Simonet G. , Poels J. , Claeys I. , Van Loy T. , Franssens V. , De Loof A. , Broeck J. Vanden 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThis review summarizes recent advances and novel concepts in the area of insect reproductive neuroendocrinology. The role of ‘classic’ hormones, such as ecdysteroids and juvenoids, to control reproduction is well documented in a large variety of insect species. In adult gonads, ecdysteroids appear to induce a cascade of transcription factors, many of which also occur during the larval molting response. Recent molecular and functional data have created opportunities to study an additional level of regulation, that of neuropeptides, growth factors and their respective receptors. As a result, many homologs of factors playing a role in vertebrate reproductive physiology have been discovered in insects. This review highlights several neuropeptides controlling the biosynthesis and release of the ‘classic’ insect hormones, as well as various peptides and biogenic amines that regulate behavioural aspects of the reproduction process. In addition, hormone metabolizing enzymes and second messenger pathways are discussed with respect to their role in reproductive tissues. Finally, we speculate on future prospects for insect neuroendocrinological research as a consequence of the recent ‘Genomics Revolution’.
Oestradiol Restores Cell Proliferation in Dentate Gyrus and Subventricular Zone of Streptozotocin‐Diabetic Mice
Authors: Saravia F. , Revsin Y. , Lux‐Lantos V. , Beauquis J. , Homo‐Delarche F. , De Nicola A. F. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractType 1 diabetes mellitus correlates with several brain disturbances, including hypersensitivity to stress, cognitive impairment, increased risk of stroke and dementia. Within the central nervous system, the hippocampus is considered a special target for alterations associated with diabetes. Neurogenesis is a plastic event restricted to few adult brain areas: the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone (SVZ). First, we studied the ability for neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and SVZ of chronic diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling of cells in the S‐phase, we observed a strong reduction in cell proliferation rate in both brain regions of diabetic mice killed 20 days after STZ administration. Second, because oestrogens are active neuroprotective agents, we investigated whether 17β‐oestradiol (200 µg pellet implant in cholesterol during 10 days) restored brain cell proliferation in the diabetic mouse brain. Our results demonstrated a complete reversibility of dentate gyrus cell proliferation in oestrogen‐treated diabetic mice. This plasticity change was not exclusive to the hippocampus because oestrogen treatment restored BrdU incorporation into newborn cells of the SVZ region of diabetic animals. Oestrogen treatment did not alter the hyperglycemic status of STZ‐diabetic mice. Moreover, oestrogen did not modify BrdU incorporation in control animals. These data show that oestrogen treatment strongly stimulates brain neurogenesis of diabetic mice and open up new venues for understanding the potential neuroprotective role of steroid hormones in diabetic encephalopathy.
Melanocortin Peptides Stimulate Prolactin Gene Expression and Prolactin Accumulation in Rat Pituitary Aggregate Cell Cultures
Authors: Langouche L. , Hersmus N. , Papageorgiou A. , Vankelecom H. , Denef C. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractTreatment for 40 h of reaggregate pituitary cell cultures from 14‐day‐old female rats with nanomolar concentrations of γ3‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (MSH) increased prolactin mRNA but not growth hormone (GH) mRNA expression levels as measured by quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). During the 40 h incubation, γ3‐MSH stimulated prolactin accumulation in the culture medium. α‐MSH, a potent agonist of the rat melanocortin‐3 receptor (MC3R) and Ala8‐γ2‐MSH, a very weak agonist of the MC3R, increased prolactin mRNA expression at a similar concentration range as γ3‐MSH. The effect of γ3‐MSH on prolactin mRNA expression was abolished when aggregates were cultured in the presence of thyroid or glucocorticoid hormones, but not of oestradiol. By contrast, oestradiol abolished the stimulatory effect of Ala8‐γ2‐MSH on prolactin mRNA expression. In GH3 cells stably transfected with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene under control of a 3‐kb prolactin promoter fragment, a dose as low as 1 nMγ3‐MSH, added for 24 h, significantly increased eGFP fluorescence. Agouti‐related protein (AgRP83−132), a known endogenous MC3R and MC4R antagonist, did not reduce the stimulation of prolactin mRNA expression by γ3‐MSH or Ala8‐γ2‐MSH. On its own, AgRP83−132 significantly increased prolactin mRNA expression level and prolactin accumulation. Both γ2‐MSH and Ala8‐γ2‐MSH increased [S35]GTPγS binding in membrane preparations of 14‐day‐old rat pituitaries and of GH3 cells. Whereas MC3R and MC5R mRNA were detectable by RT‐PCR in normal pituitary, these receptor mRNAs were undetectable in GH3 cells using various oligonucleotide primer sets. The present findings indicate that melanocortin peptides stimulate prolactin gene expression and production and that, at least in part, a receptor different from the classic MCR is involved. AgRP appears to have other actions than its known antagonistic activity on the MC3R and MC4R.
Analysis of clinical outcomes following in‐hospital adult cardiac arrest
Authors: Cohn A. C. , Wilson W. M. , Yan B. , Joshi S. B. , Heily M. , Morley P. , Maruff P. , Grigg L. E. , Ajani A. E. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract Aims:  The outcome of in‐hospital resuscitation following cardiac arrest depends on many factors related to the patient, the environment and the extent of resuscitation efforts. The aim of the present study was to determine predictors of successful resuscitation and survival to ­hospital discharge following in‐hospital cardiac arrest and to assess functional outcomes of survivors (cerebral performance scores).Methods:  Medical records of adult patients sustaining in‐hospital cardiac arrest between June 2001 and January 2003 were reviewed. Successful resuscitation was defined as the return of spontaneous circulation at the completion of resuscitative efforts, irrespective of degree of inotropic/vasopressor support. Thirty demographic and clinical variables were analysed to determine predictors of successful resuscitation and in‐hospital survival.Results:  In 105 patients with cardiac arrest, 46 patients (44%) were successfully resuscitated and 22 (21%) ­survived to hospital discharge. Predictors of successful resuscitation included a primary cardiac admission diagnosis, monitoring at the time of the arrest, a longer duration of resuscitation and the absence of the need for endotracheal intubation. Patients with ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation were more likely to survive to hospital discharge than those with asystolic or pulseless electrical activity (45 vs 12 vs 20%, P = 0.01). The sole independent predictor of survival to hospital discharge was the absence of the need for endotracheal intu­bation (odds ratio 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.02−0.88, P < 0.01). The majority of survivors (73%) had normal cerebral performance scores.Conclusions:  Identification of predictors of successful resuscitation following cardiac arrest is important for risk stratification. Ongoing appraisal of in‐hospital cardiac arrests through a multicentre registry could improve clinical outcomes. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 398−402)
Aciclovir or ganciclovir universal prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infection in liver transplantation: an economic analysis
Authors: Leong R. W. L. , Smith D. W. , Garas G. , Beaman J. M. , Mitchell A. W. , Heath D. I. , House A. K. , Jeffrey G. P. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) following orthotopic liver transplantation can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Prophylaxis with oral aciclovir (ACV) or ganciclovir (GCV) for all transplant recipients (universal prophylaxis) may be beneficial, but which agent is more cost‐effective is unknown. Methods: A single centre, retrospective study of all patients who had OLT at the Western Australian Liver Transplantation Service was performed. Patients received ACV from 1992 to 1998, and GCV from 1999 to 2001. A comparative cost‐effectiveness analysis for the two groups was performed based on the mean total cost of the number of cases of CMV infection and disease as the clinical end‐point. Results: The ACV group comprised of 55 patients and there were 24 in the GCV group. The incidence of CMV disease was 7% and 4% for the ACV and GCV groups, respectively (P > 0.05). For CMV infection it was 16% and 8%, respectively (P > 0.05). GCV prevented more cases of CMV infection and disease than ACV but at an incremental cost of $A20 000 ($US10 172) per case prevented. Overall, ACV was more cost‐effective than GCV by $A2200 ($US1119) per person. The cost benefit of ACV was derived principally through a reduced pharmaceutical cost. Both agents were well tolerated without development of antiviral resistance. Conclusions: Universal prophylaxis of CMV infection ­following liver transplantation with aciclovir is more cost‐effective than with ganciclovir. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 410−415)
Short course intravenous benzylpenicillin treatment of adults with meningococcal disease
Authors: Briggs S. , Ellis‐Pegler R. , Roberts S. , Thomas M. , Woodhouse A. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract Background : Short‐course treatment of meningococcal disease (including meningitis) with 4−5 days of an i.v. β‐lactam is of proven efficacy. Since April 1998, all adult patients with meningococcal disease admitted to Auckland Hospital were prospectively treated with 3 days of i.v. benzylpenicillin.Aims : To assess the clinical features, laboratory findings, disease complications and outcome of patients with meningococcal disease prospectively treated with 3 days of i.v. benzylpenicillin.Methods:  A retrospective chart review of all adult patients with meningococcal disease admitted to Auckland Hospital from April 1998 to December 2002 was conducted.Results:  Ninety patients with definite (n = 72) or ­probable (n = 16) meningococcal disease were admitted during the study period. Two were excluded on the basis of treatment duration. The remaining 88 patients received a mean ± standard deviation duration of treatment of 3.1 ± 0.5 days (excluding those who died while receiving treatment). Six patients (7%) died, four of whom while on treatment. There were no relapses.Conclusion : Three days of i.v. benzylpenicillin for the treatment of adults with meningococcal disease is effective. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 383−387)