bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Emphysema in Individuals Who Underwent Screening CT for Lung Cancer in Nagano Prefecture of Japan
Authors: Wang Qian , Takashima Shodayu , Wang Ji-Chen , Zheng Li-Ming , Sone Shusuke 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Screening for lung cancer with low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT) was carried out in Nagano prefecture in Japan. <i>Objective:</i> To study the prevalence of emphysema in 7,847 individuals based on the Nagano spiral CT screening and to correlate the prevalence and severity of emphysema with various factors. <i>Methods:</i> Spiral CT images with scan parameters of 120 kV, 50 mA, 10-mm collimation and a pitch of 2 obtained at full inspiration were retrospectively evaluated in 7,847 individuals. Emphysema was defined as the presence of low-attenuation areas in the lung parenchyma. Extent of emphysema was graded on a four-level scale and correlated with gender, age and smoking habits. <i>Results:</i> There were 4,288 males and 3,559 females. Mean age of the subjects was 61 years; 45.8% of the participants were smokers. Overall prevalence of emphysema was 2.9%; the prevalence was significantly higher in males (5.0%) than in females (0.5%); it was also significantly higher in smokers, and increased with age. Emphysema was positively correlated with age, but there was no correlation with smoking indices. Emphysema was mostly mild and localized in the upper lung. The logistic model revealed that gender, age and smoking indices were significant factors for developing emphysema. <i>Conclusions:</i> Overall prevalence of emphysema was 2.9%. The prevalence was higher in males and in older people. Smoking was also related to a higher prevalence of emphysema but not to its severity.
Comparison of the Bronchodilating Effect of Salmeterol and Zafirlukast in Combination with That of Their Use as Single Treatments in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Cazzola M. , Centanni S. , Boveri B. , Di Marco F. , Santus P. , Matera M.G. , Allegra L. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> It has been suggested that the effect of a β<sub>2</sub>-agonist is additive with that of a cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptor antagonist. <i>Objectives:</i> The present study was designed to answer the question of whether combined administration of inhaled salmeterol and oral zafirlukast at the standard doses would result in greater bronchodilation in patients with chronic airway obstruction than the use of either drug alone. <i>Methods:</i> The study was performed using a double-blind, double-dummy, crossover, randomised design, and was conducted on 4 non-consecutive days. Sixteen patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 10 non-smoker asthmatic patients received 40 mg of oral zafirlukast, 50 µg of inhaled salmeterol, 50 µg of inhaled salmeterol plus 40 mg of oral zafirlukast of placebo. Lung function was assessed before drug administration and 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min thereafter. At the end of the 4-hour period, each patient received 400 µg of inhaled salbutamol and spirometric testing was performed 30 min later. <i>Results:</i> In both asthmatic and COPD patients, the overall effect of salmeterol and zafirlukast on the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV<sub>1</sub>) was considered extremely significant (p < 0.0001), with a maximum bronchodilation above baseline after 180 min (20.7 and 11.0%, respectively) in asthmatics and after 2 h (21.7 and 11.2%, respectively) in COPD subjects. Zafirlukast did not produce any further significant acute bronchodilation in addition to that achieved with salmeterol alone in either asthmatic or COPD patients. Nevertheless, 7 out of 16 COPD patients and 7 out of 10 asthmatic patients had a further improvement after the combination of salmeterol and zafirlukast. The mean difference in pre- and post-salbutamol FEV<sub>1</sub> values in both asthmatic and COPD patients after zafirlukast was significant (p < 0.05), but that after salmeterol and the combination of the two drugs was not significant (p > 0.05). The difference between placebo and zafirlukast was not significant following inhaled salbutamol given 4 h after each treatment. <i>Conclusions:</i> Both salmeterol and zafirlukast induced a significant increase in FEV<sub>1</sub>, although salmeterol elicited a greater improvement in both asthmatic and COPD patients. Apparently, zafirlukast at the clinically recommended dose did not produce any further significant acute bronchodilation in addition to that achieved with salmeterol alone, either in asthma or COPD. In any case, evaluation of the effect of the combination over a 12-hour period is mandatory.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Asian Perspective
Authors: Teo E.K. , Fock K.M. 
Published: April 2003

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequently occurring malignancies in Asia. The incidence exceeds 30 cases/100,000/year in the east Asian region. Worldwide, it accounts for almost 1 million deaths/year. The high incidence in Asia is due to the high prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis, mainly chronic hepatitis B. With the introduction of universal vaccination for hepatitis B in some Asian countries in the mid 1980s, some of these countries are experiencing a decline in the incidence of HCC. This probably underscores the point that HCC caused by hepatitis B is a malignancy preventable by vaccine. Due to the relative paucity of symptoms in the early stages and the rapid doubling time of the tumor, most HCCs are discovered late in advanced stages at presentation. Most Asian countries have adopted a screening program for patients at risk. Earlier and smaller HCCs are detected through such programs but these programs have yet to demonstrate improved patient survival. Physicians managing patients with HCC are faced with two main challenges, the malignancy itself and the underlying liver disease. The extent of the tumor and the existing liver function limits the therapeutic choices available. Hepatic resection remains the treatment of choice. However, the majority of patients present with nonresectable tumors. Transarterial chemoembolization, percutaneous ethanol injection and radiofrequency ablation are the other treatment modalities. In patients with small tumors (<5 cm) and poor liver function, liver transplant offers a viable treatment alternative. In summary, the risk factor for HCC in Asia is predominantly chronic hepatitis B. Universal vaccination against hepatitis B is likely to reduce the incidence. The prognosis and outcome of treatment remains poor with a 5-year survival of 35% for patients treated surgically and less than 10% for nonresectable tumors. Current management is aimed at earlier detection and more effective treatment of early HCC. In future, the challenge will be managing HCC in the premalignant stage.
Effect of Trimetazidine on Retinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Özden Serap , Kildaci Bahriye , Muftuoglu Sevda , Cakar Nur , Yildirim Cem 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> To investigate the effect of trimetazidine (TMZ), an antioxidant agent, on the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat retina histopathologically. <i>Methods:</i> The retinal I/R model was carried out by the 4-vessel occlusion method on Wistar albino rats. Twenty-one rats were divided into 7 groups, each comprising 3 rats. The animals in groups 1, 2 and 3 underwent 30 min of ischemia + 4 h of reperfusion and were treated by the administration of saline, TMZ before reperfusion and TMZ before ischemia, respectively. The animals in groups 4, 5 and 6 underwent 90 min of ischemia + 4 h of reperfusion and were treated in the same way as those in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The 7th group was sham operated. <i>Results:</i> Thirty and 90 min of ischemia followed by 4 h of reperfusion induced retinal injury in the rat retina. Histopathologically, the inner plexiform and inner nuclear layers were the most affected parts. TMZ was able to reduce almost all retinal I/R damage when administered before ischemia. A cytoprotective effect of TMZ was partly observed in those animals which were treated before reperfusion. <i>Conclusion:</i> TMZ seemed to have a protective effect against retinal I/R injury in rats.
Endocrine Alteration in the Adrenal Gland in Kidney Transplant Patients
Authors: Wunderlich H. , Zermann D.-H. , Reichelt O. , Wilhelm S. , Seidel E. , Schubert J. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Introduction:</i> Endocrine alterations associated with chronic renal failure have been reviewed recently. Some of these alterations are of clinical relevance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of renal transplantation on the endocrine system of the adrenal gland of the transplant recipients. <i>Methods:</i> The serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE), plasma renin (PR) and plasma aldosterone (PA) were examined in 30 patients before and after renal allotransplantation. Additionally measured parameters were blood pressure, serum creatinine, potassium, sodium, the duration of dialysis and immunosuppressive medication. <i>Results:</i> Six weeks after renal transplantation, serum creatinine decreased from 820.07 ± 172.01 to 138.12 ± 67.54 µmol/l. In the same periode, serum potassium decreased from 5.42 ± 0.89 to 4.17 ± 0.42 mmol/l. PA and PR decreased from 1,150.84 ± 976.06 to 233.52 ± 217.07 µmol/l, and from 121.07 ± 100.12 to 26.16 ± 10.86 µU/ml, respectively. SACE decreased from 0.21 ± 0.21 to 0.13 ± 0.11 µmol/l. No significant correlation was seen with blood pressure, serum sodium, the duration of dialysis and immunosuppressive drugs. Additionally, 2 patients with acute renal graft dysfunction showed significant increases in PR and PA. After successful treatment both levels declined very quickly to prerejection levels. Patients after binephrectomy show no elevation in PR (5–47 µU/ml) or PA (21–416 µmol/l) neither before nor after renal transplantation. <i>Conclusions:</i> We conclude that renal transplantation has profound effects on the recipient’s renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Because of the rapid depression after renal transplantation, it does not appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of post transplantation hypertension but may reflect a role for repair processes after renal allotransplantation.
Phase 1/2 Study of Synchronous Methotrexate, Cisplatin, Vincristine (MOPq10) Chemotherapy and Radiation for Patients with Locally Advanced Bladder Cancer
Authors: Goonewardene T.I. , Bozcuk H. , Oliver R.T.D. , Barua J. , Nargund V. , Philip T. , Mair G. , Gibbs S. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> This phase 1/2 study was designed to test toxicity and effectiveness of combination chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy in the treatment of invasive bladder cancer. <i>Methods and Materials:</i> 17 patients with localised muscle-invasive bladder cancer, clinical stages T2–3 N0, M0, were treated with a radiotherapy schedule of 55 Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks restricted to the bladder and 3 cycles of concurrent dose-intensive combination chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin 60 mg/m<sup>2</sup>, vincristine 2 mg and methotrexate 60 mg/m<sup>2</sup> at 10-day intervals (MOPq10). <i>Results:</i> The complete remission rate following MOPq10 chemotherapy and radiotherapy was 88% as assessed at first cystoscopy with 82% remaining disease-free at 1 year. Risk factor analysis shows those older than 63 years (median) and those with creatinine clearance equal or less than the mean did worse. Actuarial disease-free survival at 2 years was 68% and of the patients treated 4/17 experienced acute G3/4 toxicity. <i>Conclusion:</i> This combination regimen was feasible. Its high initial response rate justifies further exploration in a randomised phase 2/3 trial setting with bladder volume and quality of life assessment.
Hydatid Disease of the Kidney Caused by <i>Echinococcus multilocularis: </i>A Rare Clinical Entity
Authors: Türker Köksal İsmail , Tefekli Ahmet , Kılıçaslan Işın , Erdemir Fikret , Kadıoğlu Teoman , Esen Tarık 
Published: April 2003

Hydatid disease of the urinary tract is extremely rare and constitutes approximately 4% of all cases of hydatid disease. The <i>Echinococcus multilocularis</i> is a relatively rare form of echinococcus as the cause of renal hydatid disease. We describe a patient who had renal hydatidosis which is rarely caused by the <i>E. multilocularis.</i>
Identification and Characterization of Novel Smoothelin Isoforms in Vascular Smooth Muscle
Authors: Krämer Jochen , Quensel Christina , Meding Joerg , Cardoso M. Cristina , Leonhardt Heinrich 
Published: April 2003

Smoothelin is a cytoskeletal protein specifically expressed in differentiated smooth muscle cells and has been shown to colocalize with smooth muscle alpha actin. In addition to the small smoothelin isoform of 59 kD, we recently identified a large smoothelin isoform of 117 kD. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize novel smoothelin isoforms. The genomic structure and sequence of the smoothelin gene were determined by genomic PCR, RT-PCR and DNA sequencing. Comparison of the cDNA and genomic sequences shows that the small smoothelin isoform is generated by transcription initiation 10 kb downstream of the start site of the large isoform. In addition to the known smoothelin cDNA (c1 isoform) we identified two novel cDNA variants (c2 and c3 isoform) that are generated by alternative splicing within a region, which shows similarity to the spectrin family of F-actin cross-linking proteins. Visceral organs express the c1 form, while the c2 form prevails in well-vascularized tissue as analyzed by RT-PCR. We then generated specific antibodies against the major smoothelin isoforms and could show by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry that the large isoform is specifically expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells, while the small isoform is abundant in visceral smooth muscle. These results strongly suggest that the smoothelin gene contains a vascular and a visceral smooth muscle promoter. The cell-type-specific expression of smoothelin isoforms that are associated with actin filaments may play a role in the modulation of the contractile properties of different smooth muscle cell types.
Disease Knowledge and Attitudes toward Predictive Testing and Prenatal Diagnosis in Families with Machado-Joseph Disease from the Azores Islands (Portugal)
Authors: Lima M. , Kay T. , Vasconcelos J. , Mota-Vieira L. , Gonzalez C. , Peixoto A. , Abade A. , MacLeod P. , Graça R. , Santos J. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) reaches its highest prevalence world-wide in the Azores, thus constituting a public health problem in these islands. The aim of the study was thus to (1) determine the level of knowledge about the disease; (2) estimate the expected level of request for predictive testing, and (3) analyse the intentions of at-risk individuals concerning their reproductive decisions. <i>Methods:</i> A questionnaire on these points was distributed to 42 affected and 36 at-risk individuals. <i>Results:</i> As expected, the educational level of the respondents was significantly associated with the level of knowledge about the disease. The survey indicated that 83.3% of the at-risk individuals would make use of a predictive test and that 77.8% would make use of prenatal diagnosis. Of the latter, 36.1% would terminate the pregnancy if confronted with a positive result for the fetus. <i>Conclusions:</i> The level of knowledge about MJD in the Azorean families is considered to be fair. Although the actual behavior can prove to be different from the intentions put forward by at-risk individuals based solely on the results of this study we can estimate that the request for a predictive test would be quite high. The intentions expressed by at-risk individuals seem to indicate that the prenatal diagnosis will have an effect on their reproductive decisions. Results obtained certify the importance of implementing genetic testing for MJD in the Azores.
A Novel Diamino-Pyridine Derivative Prevents Excessive Leukocyte Infiltration in Aggravation of Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Authors: Yamauchi Jun-ichiro , Sunamura Makoto , Shibuya Kazuhiko , Takeda Kazunori , Kobari Masao , Matsuno Seiki 
Published: April 2003

Leukocyte infiltration in the pancreas is involved in the aggravation of acute pancreatitis from edematous phase into necrotic change, and mild disease into severe disease; however, the mechanism responsible for leukocyte accumulation is not fully understood. This study was designed to clarify the mechanism underlying leukocyte accumulation into the pancreas and to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy of a novel diamino-pyridine derivative, IS-741 on leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction using rat necrotizing pancreatitis model. The number of adherent leukocytes to pancreatic collecting venules assessed by in vivo fluorescence microscopy increased significantly in necrotizing pancreatitis animals in a time-dependent manner. The expression of CD11b on circulating neutrophils determined by flow cytometric analysis was enhanced to approximately 500% after 2 h. IS-741 attenuated the leukocyte adherence significantly, accompanied by a lower up-regulation of CD11b. These findings were further supported by the histological examination that the accumulation of leukocytes in the pancreas was remarkably inhibited by IS-741. These results suggest that the leukocyte accumulation in the early phase of acute necrotizing pancreatitis may be mediated by leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction via leukocyte integrin CD11b/18. IS-741 attenuated the leukocyte endothelial cell interaction as a consequence of its inhibitory effect on CD11b upregulation.
Increased Plasma Adrenomedullin Levels in Patients with Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Evereklioglu Cem , Yurekli Muhittin , Er Hamdi , Ozbek Emin , Hazneci Ersoy , Cekmen Mustafa , Inaloz H. Serhat 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder affecting multiple organs with a generalized vasculitis of arteries and veins. Endothelial dysfunction is one of the prominent features of BD. Adrenomedullin (AM) is a peptide produced not only in normal adrenal medulla but also in the vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells, and its role in the course of BD has not been previously described. <i>Objective:</i> To detect changes of plasma AM concentrations in patients with BD compared with age- and sex-matched healthy subjects by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPCL). We also investigated if disease activity or the duration of BD correlates with AM levels. <i>Methods:</i> Forty-two consecutive patients with BD (38.5 ± 11.1 years, 19 male and 23 female) and 20 healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects (39.5 ± 10.9 years, 8 male and 12 female) were included in this study. We measured plasma AM levels by HPCL, and acute-phase reactants including α<sub>1</sub>-antitrypsin and α<sub>2</sub>-macroglobulin, neutrophil count and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. <i>Results:</i> Mean ± SD plasma AM levels in patients with BD (73.22 ± 25.55 pmol/l) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in healthy control volunteers (21.35 ± 12.37 pmol/l). Patients with active BD had similar plasma AM concentrations (79.32 ± 21.89 pmol/l) with patients with inactive disease (67.44 ± 29.92 pmol/l). On the other hand, patients with longer duration of the disease (mean duration, 13.9 ± 3.8 years) had significantly higher plasma AM levels (83.99 ± 19.71 pmol/l; p = 0.005) than patients (62.45 ± 26.57 pmol/l) with shorter duration of the disease (mean duration, 5.5 ± 2.3 years). All acute-phase reaction parameters were found to be significantly increased in the active disease. <i>Conclusion:</i> Considering its endothelial cell implications, AM may be involved in reparatory vessel endothelium mechanisms, especially in the chronic disease.
The Successful Treatment of Prurigo pigmentosa with Macrolide Antibiotics
Authors: Yazawa Norihito , Ihn Hironobu , Yamane Kenichi , Etoh Takafumi , Tamaki Kunihiko 
Published: April 2003

Recent studies have demonstrated that macrolide antibiotics have anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial effects. Therefore, macrolide antibiotics have been successfully used to treat patients with various inflammatory diseases. We evaluated the effect of macrolide antibiotics in 4 patients with prurigo pigmentosa who were treated with either 400 mg of clarithromycin or 300 mg of roxythromycin daily. Eruption and pruritus disappeared within a week in all the patients while those symptoms were unresponsive to other drugs. Although the mechanism of this effect remains unclear in patients with prurigo pigmentosa, macrolide antibiotics can be considered as an alternative treatment for prurigo pigmentosa.
Superficial Granulomatous Pyoderma gangrenosum of the Face, Successfully Treated by Ciclosporine: A Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Lachapelle Jean-Marie , Marot Liliane , Jablonska Stefania 
Published: April 2003

We report a case of the superficial granulomatous (vegetating) form of pyoderma gangrenosum, involving the forehead and the left temporal area in a 44-year-old woman. No association with other pathologies could be found. Lesions responded dramatically to systemic ciclosporine (5 mg/kg/day), and complete healing was reached after 6 months. Doses were tapered progressively. Treatment was discontinued after 4.5 years. Discontinuation was not followed by recurrence of the disease. Healing is maintained after another 4.5 years of follow-up.
Onychomycosis due to <i>Exophiala jeanselmei</i>
Authors: Boisseau-Garsaud Anne-Marie , Desbois Nicole , Guillermin Marie-Laurence , Ossondo Marlène , Gueho Evelyne , Cales-Quist Danielle 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i><i>Exophiala jeanselmei</i> is a dematiaceous fungus that may cause invasive diseases, particularly among immunocompromised hosts. Most reports mention cutaneous or subcutaneous lesions, but no case of nail involvement due to this fungus has been reported until now. <i>Case Report:</i> A 60-year-old man presented with hyperkeratosis and black coloration of the nails of the two thumbs and the two big toes of 4 years’ duration. He was a renal transplant recipient and had been treated with prednisone and azathioprine. <i>E. jeanselmei</i> was present on direct examination, then isolated in cultures on repeated samplings from all pathologic nails. He was cured after 6 months of treatment with itraconazole. <i>Commentary:</i> We describe the first case of nail infection due to <i>E. jeanselmei.</i> Itraconazole, which provides a broad spectrum of action on fungal species and achieves high levels of active substance in many tissues, including the nails, appeared to be efficient upon such a nail localization of <i>E. jeanselmei.</i>
OctreoTher<sup>TM</sup>: Ongoing Early Clinical Development of a Somatostatin-Receptor-Targeted Radionuclide Antineoplastic Therapy
Authors: Smith M. Charles , Liu Jingou , Chen Tianling , Schran Horst , Yeh Ching-Ming , Jamar François , Valkema Roelf , Bakker Willem , Kvols Larry , Krenning Eric , Pauwels Stanislas 
Published: April 2003

OctreoTher<sup>TM</sup> (<sup>90</sup>Y-DOTA-D-Phe<sup>1</sup>-Tyr<sup>3</sup>-octreotide, a.k.a. <sup>90</sup>Y-SMT 487) consists of a somatostatin peptide analogue (Tyr<sup>3</sup>-octreotide), coupled with a complexing moiety (DOTA), and labeled with a tightly bound beta-emitter (yttrium-90). By targeting somatostatin receptor-positive tumors (as imaged by OctreaScan<sup>®</sup>) it may deliver a tumoricidal dose of radiation. Phase I clinical trials, conducted in patients with neuroendocrine tumors, established the safety and tolerability of the dose selected for further study and demonstrated the capacity of OctreoTher to deliver radiation doses to tumors that resulted in significant neuroendocrine tumor shrinkage. Novartis-sponsored phase II studies will soon begin to test the efficacy of OctreoTher in breast and small cell lung cancer. A fixed-dose regimen of 120 mCi/cycle × 3 cycles administered with concomitant amino acid infusion has been chosen for the study. Phase I data and published literature support that this fixed dose regimen will be safely tolerated.