bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of reserpine on nerve stimulation‐induced constrictions in canine isolated splenic artery
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Ping , Chiba Shigetoshi 
Published: December 2004

Summary1. Our previous studies have demonstrated that peri‐arterial electrical nerve stimulation (PNS) of the canine splenic artery induces a double‐peaked vasoconstriction consisting of an initial transient, dominantly P2X purinoceptor‐mediated constriction, followed by a prolonged, mainly α1‐adrenoceptor‐induced response. In the present study, we examined the effects of reserpine on PNS‐induced double‐peaked responses.2. The vasoconstrictor response to tyramine was abolished after reserpine treatment, but the responses to noradrenaline (NA) and ATP were not significantly modified.3. The PNS‐induced second peak vasoconstrictor responses were markedly reduced in reserpinized vessels, whereas the first peak vasoconstrictor responses were not so strongly influenced (i.e. they were not significantly affected at 1 Hz, but were significantly affected at 4 and 10 Hz).4. All reserpine‐resistant responses were unaffected by treatment with prazosin, but were abolished by subsequent application of α,β‐methylene ATP. The exposure of reserpine‐treated tissues to NA almost completely restored tyramine‐induced vasoconstriction and the second neurogenic peak vasoconstrictor response, but failed to affect the first neurogenic response.5. The present results indicate that ATP and NA are cotransmitters responsible for the double‐peaked vasoconstrictor responses of canine splenic artery. In addition, it is suggested that PNS causes NA release not only from intragranular NA storage sites, but also from tyramine‐sensitive cytoplasmic sites.
Effects of ovariectomy and 17β‐oestradiol replacement on [Ca2+]i in female rat cardiac myocytes
Authors: Curl Claire L , Wendt Igor R , Canny Benedict J , Kotsanas George 
Published: December 2004

Summary1. The present study investigated the effects of ovariectomy (OVX) and 17β‐oestradiol replacement on [Ca2+]i in rat freshly isolated cardiac myocytes.2. Myocytes were isolated from the hearts of sham, OVX and OVX + 17β‐oestradiol‐replaced female rats by enzymatic digestion with collagenase. Changes in [Ca2+]i in response to varied extracellular [Ca2+] were measured using the Ca2+‐sensitive dye fura‐2, with the contractile responses of each cell measured as cell shortening.3. Increasing extracellular [Ca2+] resulted in increased [Ca2+]i in all three groups. Peak [Ca2+]i and the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient were significantly greater (P < 0.01) in cells from OVX animals compared with cells from both sham and 17β‐oestradiol‐replaced OVX animals.4. The time‐course of decay of the Ca2+ transient was significantly faster (P < 0.02) in OVX cells compared with both sham and 17β‐oestradiol‐replaced cells. In addition, time to 50% relaxation was significantly faster (P < 0.04) and extent of shortening significantly greater (P < 0.01) in OVX cells than in either sham or 17β‐oestradiol cells.5. These data demonstrate clear differences in peak [Ca2+]i and the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient between OVX female rat cardiac myocytes compared with intact and 17β‐oestradiol‐replaced OVX female rat cardiac myocytes. This suggests that oestrogen may play a long‐term role in limiting Ca2+ entry into the cardiac myocyte.
Beneficial effect of hyperbaric oxygen pretreatment on lipopolysaccharide‐induced shock in rats
Authors: Pedoto Alessia , Nandi Jyotirmoy , Yang Zhong‐jin , Wang Jingping , Bosco Gerardo , Oler Albert , Hakim Tawfic S , Camporesi Enrico M 
Published: December 2004

Summary1. We investigated the effect of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO2) pretreatment on the production of exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) and the expression of lung inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced shock in an experimental rat model.2. Rats were randomized into four groups, anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated with room air and infused with normal saline (2 mL/h) through the jugular vein for 5 h. Group 1 (NS) received only normal saline. Group 2 (HBO2‐NS) was pretreated with HBO2 at 2.8 absolute atmospheres for 2 h and then received normal saline. Group 3 (LPS) received LPS, 20 mg/kg, i.v., bolus. Group 4 (HBO2‐LPS) was pretreated with HBO2 for 2 h, followed by LPS.3. Arterial blood gases, blood pressure, blood pH and ENO production were measured every 30 min. Plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx) concentrations were assessed at the beginning (baseline) and at the end of the study. Lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, iNOS expression and histological scores were measured for the evaluation of lung injury.4. Administration of LPS was associated with decreased blood pressure and pH, increased ENO production, plasma NOx concentrations, lung iNOS expression and MPO activity.5. Pretreatment with HBO2 significantly alleviated the LPS‐induced hypotension, acidosis and decreased ENO production, plasma NOx concentrations, lung MPO activity and expression of iNOS. Hyperbaric O2 had no effect on control rats.6. Our data show that HBO2 pretreatment has beneficial haemodynamic effects in rats with endotoxin shock. The beneficial effects of HBO2 may be partially mediated by decreased ENO production via reduced LPS‐induced lung iNOS expression.
Drugs acting at the GABAA receptor attenuate ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal damage in vitro*
Authors: Najim Rafid A , Saaed Hiwa K 
Published: December 2004

Summary1. Benzodiazepines (BZ) have been reported to protect against ethanol‐induced gastric damage in rats in both in vivo and in vitro models. However, the effects of some drugs in the new in vitro model do not agree with results reported previously in in vivo studies.2. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to modify the new in vitro model to a model that more closely resembles the in vivo model and, using the new in vitro model, to reassess the gastroprotective effects of some BZ and to assess the effects of some new compounds.3. The rat stomach was isolated from the whole animal and kept in aerated Krebs' solution at 37°C in an organ bath. Gastric mucosal damage was induced by instillation of 1 mL of 100% ethanol into the stomach. Drugs or their vehicle were administered inside the bath 15 min before ethanol instillation into the stomach. One hour after the instillation of ethanol, the stomach was removed from the organ bath, opened along the greater curvature and then examined for gastric mucosal damage.4. The results indicate that, compared with vehicle pretreatment, ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal damage was significantly reduced in a dose‐dependent manner by pretreatment with clonazepam, a drug that acts as an agonist at central BZ sites of the GABAA receptor, and Ro 15‐4513, a partial inverse agonist at BZ sites of the GABAA receptor. Flumazenil (an antagonist of central BZ sites of the GABAA receptor) did not affect gastric mucosal lesions provoked by ethanol. However, flumazenil significantly reversed the mucosal protective effects of clonazepam and Ro 15‐4513.5. CGS 9896 (a partial agonist at BZ sites of the GABAA receptor, with anxiolytic and anticonvulsant but no sedative effects) did not offer any protection against ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal damage. Ro 5‐3663, an atypical BZ that binds to the picrotoxin site of the GABAA receptor and reported to be a potent convulsant and only a weak antagonist of GABA, did not show any protection against the development of lesions.6. The results suggest local gastric mediation of the effects of ethanol, as well as the gastric protective effects of BZ, through an action at local central‐type BZ sites of the GABAA receptor located in the rat stomach.
Retinal detachment in cytomegalovirus retinitis: intravenous versus intravitreal therapy
Authors: Young Stephanie , McCluskey Peter , Minassian Darwin C , Joblin Paul , Jones Colin , Coroneo Minas T , Lightman Susan 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Purpose:  To compare the rate of retinal detachment in a group of patients treated with intravitreal ganciclovir to the rate of retinal detachment in a group of patients treated with systemic ganciclovir. Methods:  A retrospective non‐randomized comparative case series was conducted. The participants were 186 consecutive patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis treated at two centres over the period from June 1990 to May 1997. Of the 186, 133 patients had systemic therapy of whom 113 had intravenous ganciclovir or foscarnet and 20 had oral ganciclovir, and 53 patients had intravitreal induction and maintenance therapy. The main outcome measure was the rate of retinal detachment, which was calculated using person‐months‐at‐risk denominators. The effect measure used in the main comparative analysis was the hazard ratio obtained from multiple regression using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results:
Retinal detachment occurred in three of 53 patients in the intravitreal therapy group, one of 20 patients receiving oral maintenance therapy and 21 of 113 patients receiving intravenous maintenance therapy. The risk of retinal detachment with systemic therapy was 14‐fold higher than with intravitreal therapy (P < 0.001) and up to fourfold higher with oral maintenance therapy. Conclusions:  Intravitreal therapy offers a significant advantage over systemic therapy in the treatment of CMV retinitis by substantially reducing the risk of CMV‐related retinal detachment.
Limited macular translocation for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Chang Andrew A , Tan Weichuan , Beaumont Paul E , Zeldovich Alina 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Purpose: To examine the safety and efficacy of limited macular translocation followed by laser photocoagulation in the management of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: A prospective study was conducted on eight consecutive patients undergoing limited macular translocation followed by laser photocoagulation for the treatment of subfoveal classic CNV form of AMD. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. The magnitude of foveal translocation, visual outcomes and complications were assessed. Results: In all cases the fovea was successfully translocated inferiorly, with a median displacement of 1.1 mm. Thermal laser photocoagulation was subsequently performed in all cases. Visual acuity improved in five eyes, remained unchanged in two eyes and worsened in one eye. The mean improvement in visual acuity was by 0.19 logMAR. At 12 months, six of the eight patients (75%) achieved Snellen visual acuity of at least 6/15, with four patients (50%) achieving Snellen visual acuity of 6/9. Conclusion: In this small case series, limited macular translocation was found to be an effective and reproducible means of treating small well‐defined subfoveal CNV.
Golf‐related ocular injuries
Authors: Jayasundera Thiran , Vote Brendan , Joondeph Brian 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Purpose: To examine patient outcomes from golf‐related ocular injuries. Methods: A retrospective case review was undertaken of subjects with golf‐related ocular injuries treated at the Auckland and Waikato Hospitals during the 5‐year period from 1997 to 2002. Results: Of 11 injuries treated in the 5‐year period, five of the subjects incurred globe rupture with two subjects requiring enucleation. Seven of the injuries were from golf balls and four injuries were from golf clubs. Six of the subjects had a final visual acuity of 6/48 or worse. Conclusion: Golfing injuries, though uncommon, are frequently associated with severe ocular trauma and poor visual outcome. Although unpredictable and difficult to avoid, proper golf etiquette and safety may diminish the incidence of golf‐related ocular injures. Injuries caused by golf clubs occurred only in children.
Fornix‐based trabeculectomy using the ‘anchoring’ corneal suture technique
Authors: Ng Philip WC , Yeung Barry YM , Yick Doris WF , Tsang Chi‐wai , Lam Dennis SC 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of fornix‐based tra­beculectomy with the ‘anchoring’ corneal suture technique in Chinese patients. Methods: A retrospective non‐comparative case series of 66 eyes of 63 Chinese patients who underwent fornix‐based trabeculectomy combined with intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) 0.4 mg/mL for 2−5 min were studied. Conjunctival wound closure of all eyes was with the anchoring corneal suture technique using a 9−0 nylon suture to prevent leakage at the corneolimbal interface. The success rate, with or without anti‐glaucoma medication, the complication rate and the longevity of the drainage blebs were analyzed. Results: At a mean follow‐up period of 447.36 ± 337.98 days, the mean intraocular pressure decreased from 26.83 ± 7.90 mmHg to 17.74 ± 8.74 mmHg (P < 0.001). The mean glaucoma medication decreased from 2.95 ± 0.98 preoperatively to 1.23 ± 1.41 postoperatively (P < 0.001). Thirty‐one eyes (47.0%) required no anti‐glaucoma medication postoperatively. Twenty eyes (30.3%) had qualified success postoperatively. Eight eyes (12.1%) had early wound leakage that resolved with conservative treatment. Three eyes (4.5%) required surgical repair. One eye (1.5%) had hypotonous maculopathy. No other major complications were encountered. Conclusion: Fornix‐based trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C employing the anchoring corneal suture technique appears to be both safe and effective in Chinese patients.
Effect of millimeter wave radiation on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, CDK4 and P16 in rat hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: RONG Lan , SUN Da Yu , MEI Lin , ZHOU Bing Da , LU Wei 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVE:  To study the effects of millimeter wave (MMW) radiation on rat hepatocellular carcinoma.METHODS:  Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, and the liver region of the rats was directly radiated by MMW (35.8 GHz, 100 mW/cm2) for 20 min twice per week. Rats in groups 1 to 3 were fed with diethlnitrosamine (DEN). Group 1 was a tumor control group with sham radiation. Group 2 was given radiation for 10 weeks starting from week 5 and group 3 was radiated for 5 weeks starting from week 10. Group 4 was a normal control group radiated for 5 weeks and given distilled water. At week 14, all rats were sacrificed. A serological test for γ‐glutamyltransferase (γ‐GT) and immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), CDK4 and P16 in liver tissue were performed.RESULTS:  The serum level of γ‐GT in group 1 (18.44 ± 4.88 U/L) was higher than that in group 2 (13.75 ± 2.41 U/L, P < 0.05), and the level of γ‐GT in group 3 (16.43 ± 2.12 U/L) was lower than that in group 1, but the difference was not significant. Based on histological examination of the livers, adenocarcinoma only developed in group 1. In the other DEN‐induced tumor groups, only eosinophilic and basophilic nodules were formed in the liver; no carcinoma cells were found. Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and CDK4 staining in liver tissue in groups 2 and 3 were significantly lower than those in group 1, but the expression of P16 in the former was higher than that in the latter.CONCLUSIONS:  Millimeter wave radiation partially inhibits cell proliferation and suppresses DEN‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of balloon dilatation on esophageal motility in achalasia
Authors: WANG Zhi Feng , KE Mei Yun , QIN Ming Wei 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVE:  To explore the effect of balloon dilatation on esophageal motility in patients with achalasia.METHODS:  In 48 patients diagnosed with achalasia based on clinical observations, barium radio­graphy, endoscopy and esophageal manometry, the following parameters were evaluated before dilatation, and 4 and 12−24 weeks after dilatation: symptom score, maximal width of esophagus (MWE), lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), lower esophageal sphincter relaxation rate (LESRR), and contraction amplitude of esophageal body.RESULTS:  The symptom score and MWE decreased significantly after dilatation (P < 0.05). The LESP decreased (P < 0.05) and LESRR increased (P < 0.05) significantly 4 weeks and 12−24 weeks after dilatation. The percentages of patients with LESP <2.67 kPa were 45.41% before dilatation, and 82.48% and 85.87% 4 weeks and 12−24 weeks after dilatation, respectively (P < 0.05). The percentages of patients with LESRR ≥80% were 6.74% before dilatation, and 55.97% and 43.78% 4 weeks and 12−24 weeks after dilatation, respectively (P < 0.05). Peristaltic waves were not observed after dilatation in any patient.CONCLUSIONS:  Balloon dilatation may significantly improve the symptoms of achalasia and reduce esophageal distention by decreasing LESP and increasing LESRR. The mechanism by which balloon dilatation increases LESRR needs to be further studied.
Expression and distribution of protein translation initiation factor C2 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancer tissue
Authors: ZHANG Qing , LIU Jie , ZHANG Li , LI Qing , ZHANG Xue Mei , WANG Xin , QIAO Tai Dong , FAN Dai Ming , FEITELSON Mark 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVE:  To study the expression, distribution and significance of the C2 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and gastric cancer tissue.METHODS:  The avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex (ABC) immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of C2 protein in 60 specimens of HCC and 58 specimens of gastric cancer tissue, and the western blot technique was used to detect the expression of C2 protein in 10 specimens of HCC and associated pericancerous tissue.RESULTS:  In 60 specimens of HCC and 42 specimens of associated pericancerous tissue, the rates of C2 protein detection were 27.3 and 83.3%, respectively; the latter being significantly greater than the former (P < 0.001). The expression of C2 protein was significantly correlated with the patient's age, HBsAg and α−fetoprotein (AFP; P < 0.05). The findings from western blotting were consistent with those from immunohistochemical methods. The rate of C2 protein detection was 20.4% in 49 specimens of HCC that were hepatitis‐B virus encoded X antigen (HBxAg)‐positive, but 63.6% in 11 HCC specimens that were HbxAg‐negative. The rate of C2 protein detection was significantly lower in HbxAg‐positive tissue than in HbxAg‐negative tissue (P < 0.05). In 58 specimens of gastric cancer tissue and 44 specimens of associated pericancerous tissue, the rates of C2 protein detection were 41.4 and 77.3%, respectively. The rate was significantly higher in gastric cancer tissue than in associated pericancerous tissue (P < 0.05), and C2 protein detection was significantly correlated with pathological grading, tumor size and the depth of invasion (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:  Low expression of the C2 gene might be involved in the development of HCC and gastric cancer. The suppression of C2 by HBxAg may play an important role in the development of HCC. C2 may be a potential tumor suppression gene.
Seroepidemiological comparison of Helicobacter pylori infection rates in Shanghai urban districts in 1990 and 2001
Authors: CHEN Sheng Liang , XIAO Shu Dong 
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND:  The incidence of diseases related to Helicobacter pylori infection, such as gastric cancer, has been decreasing in developed countries and areas where the economy is rapidly developing. This is also the situation in Shanghai, the largest city in China. However, the prevalent trend of Helicobacter pylori infection in Shanghai is unknown.OBJECTIVE:  To investigate changes in the sero‐prevalence rate of Helicobacter pylori infection in Shanghai residents between 1990 and 2001.METHODS:  We tested serum H. pylori immuno­globulin G antibodies in 1557 blood samples from healthy residents of the Shanghai urban area in 2001 using the ELISA method. The sero‐prevalence rate of H. pylori infection in 2001 was compared with that in 1990.RESULTS:  In the Shanghai urban area the overall sero‐prevalence rate of H. pylori infection in 2001 was 58.3%, higher than that in 1990 (40.5%, P = 0.001). No significant differences in sero‐prevalence rates were found in subjects aged 1−9, 10−19 and 20−29 years between 1990 and 2001 (19.8, 42.7, 52.4 vs 27.4, 39.6, and 41.4; P = 0.683, 0.707 and 0.068, respectively). In subjects older than 30 years, a significantly higher prevalence rate of H. pylori infection was observed in 2001 than in 1990 (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:  The prevalence of H. pylori infection in urban Shanghai residents in 2001 was greater than that found in 1990.
Management of soft tissue sarcomas of the abdomen and pelvis
Authors: Mackenzie S. , Reid R. , Barrett A. , O'Dwyer P. J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective Soft tissue sarcomas of the abdomen or pelvis are rare tumours that usually arise in the retroperitoneum but may also arise from the gastrointestinal tract or other abdominal organs. The aim of this study was to assess patient outcome following treatment of these tumours at a tertiary referral centre.Patients and methods Data on all patients with soft tissue tumours treated under the care of one surgeon between January 1990 and December 2000 was reviewed.Results Over the 11‐year period 61 patients underwent 79 operations for a soft tissue sarcoma of the abdomen or pelvis. Macroscopic clearance of tumour at operation was achieved in 45 (74%) of the 61 patients, for primary tumours this was 97%, recurrent tumours 50% and metastases 33%. The median survival for those undergoing complete resection was 50 months (range 3–238 months, median follow‐up 33 months). This compared with a median survival of only 6 months range (1–127 months) for those that had incomplete resection (P = 0.001). The 5‐year survival for patients that had complete resection was 61.5%, however, over one‐third of the 5‐year survivors have since recurred.Conclusion This study confirms that most primary soft tissue sarcomas of the abdomen or pelvis are resectable and the majority of patients will experience a long disease free interval following resection.
Colorectal cancer in the south of Israel; comparison of the clinical characteristics and survival between two periods, 1981–2 and 1986–7
Authors: Lebel E. , Fraser D. , Fraser G. M. , Niv Y. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground  Colorectal cancer has the highest incidence of all malignant tumours in men and women in Israel. The public was introduced to the concept of screening in the early 1980s, and full programs began in 1983.Objectives  The study compares patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who were diagnosed before screening and five years later, for stage differences and survival.Methods  All patients with CRC who were diagnosed from 1981 to 1982 (period I) and 1986–87 (period II) at Soroka Medical Centre and who were residents of the Negev area were eligible for the study. Data were collected retrospectively from the Israel Cancer Registry and patient files and endoscopic, histological and surgical reports from the Departments of Pathology, Gastroenterology, Oncology and Surgery at Soroka Medical Centre.Results  The study groups included 207 patients with CRC, 85‐from period I and 122‐from period II. The mean annual incidence of CRC for these 2 periods was 18 and 24.8 cases per 100, 000, respectively, for an increase of 37% (P < 0.001). Five‐year‐survival in period I was 53.3% and in period II, 39.6% (P = 0.025). Survival did not differ by origin or gender. Dukes' stage, well and moderately differentiated tumours, and left‐sided tumours were associated with better prognosis (P = 0.03). Forty‐two percent of the cases were less than 64‐year‐old‐at diagnosis, compared with 27% of 2069 Israeli patients in whom CRC was diagnosed in 1991 (P < 0.001).Conclusions  Before a nation wide decision is made with regard to public screening for CRC with fecal occult blood tests or sigmoidoscopy, the available data should be thoroughly evaluated, and further in‐depth investigations performed to determine trends in diagnosis and prognosis.