bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute rheumatic fever in Konya, Turkey
Authors: Karaaslan Sevim , Oran Bülent , Reisli Ismail , Erkul Ibrahim 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Patients with acute rheumatic fever (ARF), who were admitted to Pediatric Cardiology Unit of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine from July 1993 to 1998, were studied retrospectively to verify the clinical profile of the disease and to compare the results with those from other countries.
Methods
: All patients were examined by one of the two pediatric cardiologists in our study group. Every patient had a chest X‐ray, electrocardiogram and an echocardiographic investigation. Throat culture, antistreptolysin O test, C‐reactive protein and sedimentation rates were investigated for each patient.
Results
: During the study period, 274 cases with ARF were identified among patients admitted to the present institution. There were 8032 visits during the study period, giving an occurrence rate of 3.4%. Arthritis was the most common major manifestation (81.4%). It was followed by carditis (60.9%) and chorea (17.9%). Subcutaneous nodules (0.7%) and erythema marginatum (0.4%) were both seen in patients with carditis. The mitral valve was the most commonly affected valve (95.8%), followed by the aortic valve (40.1%). Two patients died and regurgitation disappeared in 21% of patients with mitral regurgitation. Fifteen patients (14%) with isolated arthritis and pure chorea had mitral regurgitation demonstrated by echocardiographic investigation but without any significant murmur.
Conclusion
: The present study indicates that ARF is still a significant problem in Konya and that recurrences can be prevented by administering a 3‐week benzathine penicillin G regimen.
Bone mineral density in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Tasdemir Haydar Ali , Buyukavci Mustafa , Akcay Fatih , Polat Pinar , Yildiran Alisan , Karakelleoglu Cahit 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the severity of and factors related to osteopenia in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods
: Bone mineral density (BMD), calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25‐hydroxy vitamin D3 (25OHD3) concentrations were determined in 24 children with CP (15 ambulant, nine non‐ambulant), aged between 10 months and 12 years (mean (±SD) 4.1±2.9 years). These vaules were compared with data obtained from a control group.
Results
: Adjusted mean BMD values were lower in the patient group than in controls (P<0.05). However, there was no difference between BMD values of ambulant and non‐ambulant patients. The Ca and P levels of the patient group were significantly higher than those of controls (P<0.05).
Conclusions
: The present study showed that BMD was decreased in all children with CP, but to a greater extent in non‐ambulant children with CP, and immobilization is the major effective factor on bone mineralization.
Characteristics of suicide among children and adolescents in Budapest
Authors: Töero Klára , Nagy Ágnes , Sawaguchi Toshiko , Sawaguchi Akiko , Sótonyi Péter 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: In Europe, the suicide rate among children and adolescents is the highest in Hungary. In the young age group (10–14 and 15–19 years), the suicide mortality rate had not showed a decrease.
Methods
: This study examined suicide cases committed by children and adolescents highlighted from the extraordinary death cases in Budapest between 1994 and 1998. The 72 suicide cases, which included 59 males and 13 females, were processed by sex, age, method and time of commitment, and distribution by districts.
Results
: Leaping off high places or hanging was the highest frequency among the methods of commitment. Accurate data about the frequency, type, time and location of death cases are indispensable to decrease the number of children’s and adolescents’ suicides.
Conclusions
: Studies of epidemiology and risk factors may provide a basis of development of a specific suicide prevention programme including educational, health and welfare elements.
Increase of cord blood cytokine‐producing T cells in intrauterine infection
Authors: Matsuoka Takashi , Matsubara Tomoyo , Katayama Kumiko , Takeda Kanae , Koga Mayumi , Furukawa Susumu 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: Although infection is a frequent and important cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period, evaluation of the immune system in cases of intrauterine infection is not easy. The subsets of T helper (Th) 1, which produce mainly interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), and Th2, which produce interleukin (IL) ‐4, have been implicated in the regulation of many immune responses. In this study, we investigated Th1 and Th2 subsets in the cord blood (CB) to evaluate the role of CB T cells in the intrauterine infections.
Methods
: We used an intracellular cytokine‐staining technique with determination by flow cytometry to study IFN‐γ‐producing T cells and IL‐4‐producing T cells in the CB of six neonates with perinatal intrauterine infection and 17 uninfected neonates.
Results
: The CB from neonates with intrauterine infections had more IFN‐γ‐producing CD3+T cells than that from uninfected neonates. The percentage of CB IFN‐γ‐producing CD3+T cells in the infected neonates correlated with the duration of membrane rupture before the onset of labor, but not with the level of C‐reactive protein. The infected neonate born after the longest duration of membrane rupture showed an increased percentage of IL‐4‐producing CD3+T cells.
Conclusions
: Our results suggest that the increase of CB IFN‐γ and IL‐4‐ producing T cells is part of the immune system directed against perinatal intrauterine infections.
Diagnostic significance of increased serum hyaluronic acid in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shigemori Masahiko , Takei Syuji , Imanaka Hiroyuki , Maeno Nobuaki , Hokonohara Masashi , Miyata Koichiro 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: We have previously reported that serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) objectively reflect the severity of arthritis in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). However, clear diagnostic standards do not exist for JRA; it is difficult to evaluate arthritis in children, particularly in small children and the diagnostic criteria for JRA requires an exclusion of several diseases. Therefore, if a specific test finding associated with JRA could be established, it would enable general pediatricians to make an objective diagnosis.
Methods
: We measured the serum HA levels in children with joint symptoms as a chief complaint. The total number of subjects were 197 children; of these 89 had JRA, 39 had rheumatic diseases other than JRA, and 69 had non‐rheumatic diseases (including systemic 31, polyarticular 40 and pauci‐articular in 17), rheumatic diseases other than JRA in 39 subjects, and non‐rheumatic diseases in 69 subjects. Sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay measured HA by using the HA binding protein.
Results
: The serum level of HA was significantly higher in systemic and polyarticular JRA patients than in patients with pauci‐articular JRA, with rheumatic diseases other than JRA, and non‐rheumatic patients. With a cut‐off value of 100 ng/mL, a diagnostic value of HA in all JRA patients was 48.3% sensitivity and 98.1% specificity.
Conclusions
: In children presenting with joint symptoms, serum HA measurement is useful for diagnosing systemic and polyarticular JRA.
Baccalaureate nursing education curricula in the People’s Republic of China: Status, issues and reforms
Authors: Sun Jiemin , Xu Yu , Xu Zhaomin , Zhang Jianhui 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis article examines baccalaureate nursing education curricula in the People’s Republic of China. Three 5‐year curricula and one 4‐year curriculum were content analyzed and contrasted. Findings of this study suggested that: (i) the biomedical model dominated the three 5‐year traditional curricula; (ii) political‐ideological content permeated all four curricula; and (iii) the reformed curriculum at Peking Union Medical College was a genuine effort toward building a new nursing curriculum model that intended to differentiate nursing education from medical education. In addition, major themes of recent curriculum reforms were highlighted. Recommendations were suggested to improve the outcomes of future curriculum endeavors. Explicit as well as implicit comparisons with an ideal–typical American generic baccalaureate nursing curriculum were made when appropriate.
Ureteropyeloscopy in the diagnosis of patients with upper tract hematuria: An initial clinical study
Authors: Yazaki Tsunetada , Kamiyama Yutaka , Tomomasa Hiroshi , Shimizu Hirofumi , Okano Yoshinori , Iiyama Tetsuro , Iizumi Tatsuo , Umeda Takashi 
Published: March 2003

Background: To study the usefulness and safety of ureteropyeloscopy in the diagnosis of upper tract hematuria of unknown etiology by standard diagnostic methods. Methods: Fifteen patients with upper tract hematuria of unknown etiology were the subjects of the present study. Prior to ureteropyeloscopy, they underwent standard diagnostic methods, including cystourethroscopy, excretory urography and computed tomography scan. The upper tract (ureter, renal pelvis and calyces) was inspected systematically with a flexible ureteropyeloscope under epidural anesthesia. A biopsy specimen was obtained when neoplasm of a suspicious lesion was seen. Bleeding and hemangiomatous lesions were fulgurated at the time of ureteropyeloscopy. Results: Unilateral gross hematuria was seen in 12 patients. Imaging studies revealed a filling defect in four patients, ureteral stenosis in one patient and nutcracker phenomenon in one patient. Urine cytology was positive in three patients and suspicious in four patients. Results of ureteropyeloscopy were papillary tumor in three patients, whitish encrustation in one patient, redness of the renal pelvis in one patient, bleeding from the renal calyx in two patients, hemangiomatous lesion in one patient, ureteral stenosis in two patients and no abnormalities in five patients. Biopsies were performed in five patients. The pathology results were transitional cell carcinoma in four patients and no abnormality in one patient. Although a ureteral stent catheter was placed in one patient, no serious complications were encountered during or after the procedures. Conclusions: Ureteropyeloscopy was useful and relatively safe. This endoscopic examination can differentiate insignificant lesions from significant lesions by visual inspection of the lesions, in addition, pathological diagnosis by biopsy specimen can also be performed if deemed necessary. Ureteropyeloscopy is recommended in the diagnosis of upper tract hematuria of unknown etiology.
The usefulness of [131I]‐metaiodobenzylguanidine ([131I]‐MIBG) scintigraphy performed one week after administration in diagnosing pheochromocytoma
Authors: Takahashi Nobuyoshi , Suzuki Tadashi , Yamaya Kanemitsu , Funyu Tomihisa 
Published: March 2003

Background: Imaging performed 36–48 h after metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) injection is being widely used in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. However, there are some difficult cases to diagnose due to a high concentration of MIBG remaining in the background. We studied the significance of scans on the 7th day after MIBG injection when the concentration of MIBG in the background has declined. Methods: Imaging was carried out on 11 cases before operation, five cases (eight times) after operation and 12 cases which had been strongly suspected of being pheochromocytoma, but later proved to be non‐pheochromocytoma. Results: In all the cases of pheochromocytoma, except one, the tumor imaging was clear 24–72 h after MIBG injection. As for the images after operation and those of the 12 non‐pheochromocytoma cases, the scintigram made on the 7th day proved the negative pheochromocytoma. Conclusion: This approach was very effective not only for finding early small pheochromocytomas and the remnants of tumors after resection, but also in diagnosing non‐pheochromocytoma.
Apoptosis and nuclear shapes in benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate adenocarcinoma: Comparison with and relation to Gleason score
Authors: Choi Nak, Gyeu , Sohn Jin, Hee , Park Hung, Won , Jung Tae, Young 
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To compare differences in the number of apoptotic bodies and nuclear shapes (size and roundness) between untreated benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and untreated advanced prostate adenocarcinoma (PCA) and to elucidate differences in apoptosis number and nuclear shapes with increasing malignant potentiality, by Gleason score, in PCA.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 40 patients with BPH and 12 patients with PCA I (Gleason score 2–4), 14 patients with PCA II (Gleason score 5–7) and 14 patients with PCA III (Gleason score 8–10). The frequency of apoptotic bodies (mean percentage calculated from 200 cells/high‐power field over 10 fields) was examined on immunostain. Nuclear shapes were determined by an automatic image analyzer. Over 100 hyperplastic cells or cancer cells were detected by the image analyzer.Results: The mean number of apoptotic bodies in BPH and PCA I were not significantly different, but patients with PCA II and PCA III showed significantly higher numbers of apoptotic bodies than patients with BPH. Patients with PCA III had significantly more apoptotic bodies than patients with PCA I. Benign prostate hyperplasia nuclei had the smallest mean nuclear area and the largest mean nuclear peripheral ellipse among the four groups. The study showed that PCA I, II, III nuclei had significantly larger areas and a less circular shape than nuclei from patients with BPH. Nuclei from patients with PCA I were smaller in size and rounder than nuclei from patients with PCA III.Conclusions: The present study clearly shows the presence of apoptosis in BPH and PCA and shows an increasing number of apoptotic bodies with higher cellular malignancy. The nuclear shapes in PCA were more irregular and larger in size with increasing cellular malignancy. As expected, nuclei in BPH were smaller in size and rounder than those of cancer nuclei.
Laparoscopic treatment of retroperitoneal benign schwannoma
Authors: OHIGASHI TAKASHI , NONAKA SHOICHI , NAKANOMA TAKASHI , UENO MUNEHISA , DEGUCHI NOBUHIRO 
Published: March 2003

Purpose/Methods: We report on a case of retroperitoneal benign schwannoma treated by laparoscopic surgery.Results/Discussion: The difficulties of diagnosis and the advantages of laparoscopic management are discussed.
A case of renal metanephric adenoma: Histologic, immunohistochemical and cytogenetic analyses
Authors: Tsuji Masahito , Murakami Yoshihide , Kanayama Hiro‐Omi , Sano Toshiaki , Kagawa Susumu 
Published: March 2003

Background: A unique case of metanephric adenoma of the left kidney is reported in a 61‐year‐old woman presenting with an incidental renal mass on ultrasonography.Methods/Results: On radiographic examination, the presence of hypovascular renal cell carcinoma was suspected and left radical nephrectomy was performed. The resected tumor, measuring 4.9 x 4.7 x 4.5 cm, was well‐circumscribed and solid and its cut surface was tan–pink with foci of focal hemorrhage and cystic change. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of uniformly small acini with hyperchromatic round nuclei. Some acini were dilated and occasionally contained glomeruloid‐like bodies and psamoma bodies. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells showed positive immunoreaction for vimentin, cytokeratin and Leu7. Cytogenetically, the tumor did not show numerical aberrations of chromosome 7 or 17 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.Conclusions: The patient is alive without recurrence or metastasis 4 years after surgery. Metanephric adenoma must be differentiated from other renal tumors, particularly Wilms’ tumor or low‐grade renal cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical and cytogenetic analysis may be helpful in difficult cases.
Long‐term results of Burch colposuspension
Authors: Akpinar Haluk , Cetinel Bulent , Demirkesen Oktay , Tufek Ilter , Yaycioglu Ozgur , Solok Vural 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: We aimed to determine the long‐term results of Burch colposuspension.
Methods
: Patients who had undergone Burch colposuspension due to stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in our department between 1991 and 1995 were asked to participate in the study by telephone or mail. Fifty of 78 patients (64%) responded and these formed the study group. Patients were evaluated by a detailed questionnaire, pelvic examination, uroflowmetry and postvoid residual urine determination. Provocative stress test and urodynamic evaluations were performed in those who claimed leakage. Additionally, follow‐up charts were retrospectively reviewed from the patients’ files.
Results
: Mean follow‐up time was 50.6 months. The subjective cure rate was 52% and the surgical success rate was 84%. The patient satisfaction rate in terms of incontinence was 86%. No correlation was found between pre‐operative patient characteristics (i.e. age, number of vaginal deliveries and pregnancies, menopause, previous anti‐incontinence surgery and presence of detrusor instability) and outcome of surgery. Although no patient was performing clean intermittent catheterization in the long term, two patients had significant residual urine and obstructive flows. Three patients had severe pelvic prolapse that required surgical correction.
Conclusions
: Our results indicate that Burch colposuspension operation is an effective and durable choice of treatment with low complication rates for the treatment of SUI.
The correlation of stage and pathology of prostate cancer in Japan
Authors: Kubota Yutaka , Imai Kyoichi , Yamanaka Hidetoshi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Few articles describe stage and pathology distribution of prostate cancer by age, yet understanding these topics may provide clues to the etiology of this disease. The present study describes the distribution of stage and pathology of prostate cancer in terms of age and considers effective detection of early stage cancer by mass screening (MS).
Methods
: Data presented in this study were based on patient’s files from MS and the Gunma Urological Oncology Study Group (GUOSG) registry from 1981 to 1996 in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
Results
: Age did not significantly correlate with stage distribution among the GUOSG patients, whereas stage tended to advance with age among the MS patients. Stage B was detected more frequently than any other stage in all age groups of the MS patients, whereas stage C and stage D were detected at similar rates in all age groups. After prostate specific antigen (PSA) had been introduced in MS, the percentage of early stage cancer increased at an earlier age. Pathology distribution did not significantly differ in any group.
Conclusions
: The data obtained from MS cancer patients showed that tumor stage tends to advance with age. We believe that the younger age group should be examined by MS using PSA to effectively detect early prostate cancer.
Urothelial cytoprotective activity of Tamm–Horsfall protein isolated from the urine of healthy subjects and patients with interstitial cystitis
Authors: Akiyama Akihito , Stein Paul C , Houshiar Amir , Parsons C Lowell 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Purpose
: Tamm–Horsfall protein (THP) is a ubiquitous urinary protein with essentially no known function. We propose that THP is a cytoprotective agent that protects the urothelium from cationic species. To test this hypothesis we isolated THP from normal and interstitial cystitis urine to see if it could protect cultured cells from damage induced by the polyamine, protamine sulfate (PS).
Methods
: Tamm–Horsfall protein was extracted from the urine of interstitial cystitis (IC) patients (N = 28) and normal volunteers (N = 5). Urothelial target cells (T24) were radiolabeled with 51Cr and then exposed to PS (0–1.0 mg/mL) for either 1.5 or 20 h. The resulting cytotoxicity data (dose–response curves) were then compared with the data obtained when PS was preincubated with 0–0.5 mg/mL of THP (IC vs normal), the semisynthetic polysaccharide, pentosan polysulfate (Elmiron), or human serum albumin.
Results
: Toxicity of PS was significantly reduced by incubation with THP (or Elmiron) prior to evaluation by the chromium release assay, but not reduced by incubating with another protein, albumin. Tamm–Horsfall protein from IC patients’ urine was less protective than an equal quantity of THP from normal urine.
Conclusions
: These experiments suggest that THP has an important role in bladder mucosal defense mechanisms, protecting the bladder surface from injury. Inability of THP to prevent cytotoxic damage by urinary polyamine or other urinary toxins (cationic species) may be relevant in the etiology of interstitial cystitis, as putative urinary toxic components have been described in the urine of some patients.
Epidermoid cyst arising from the spermatic cord area
Authors: Tanaka Tomoaki , Kawano Manabu 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Purpose
: We report on an epidermoid cyst arising from the spermatic cord area that was confirmed histologically after local excision.
Methods/Results
: Radiologic studies demonstrated a well‐encapsulated solid mass in the left inguinal region, which was adjacent to the left spermatic cord. Tumor resection was then performed. Pathological examination revealed a epidermoid cyst lined with keratinized squamous epithelium.
Conclusion
: There was no recurrence observed 5 years after surgery.
Comparative study of transurethral laser prostatectomy versus transurethral electroresection for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Wada Seiji , Yoshimura Rikio , Kyo Munenori , Hase Taro , Masuda Chikayoshi , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Ikemoto Shin‐Ichi , Kawashima Hidenori , Kishimoto Taketoshi 
Published: March 2003

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Recently, less invasive transurethral laser prostatectomy, such as visual laser ablation (VLAP) or interstitial laser coagulation (ILCP), have been developed. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of VLAP and ILCP compared to TURP.Methods: A total of 80 patients with BPH were treated: 20 patients by VLAP, 30 patients by ILCP and 30 patients by TURP. All patients were followed up for 12 months after their operations. Treatment outcomes were evaluated by four different criteria: (i) the International Prostatic Symptom Score (I‐PSS), (ii) the maximum flow rate (Qmax), (iii) postvoided residual urine volume before treatment and one, three, six and 12 months after treatment, and (iv) prostatic volume before operation and three and six months postoperatively.Results: The I‐PSS, Qmax and residual urine volume were significantly improved compared to baseline levels and the improvement continued for 12 months in the three groups: for I‐PSS (P < 0.001 in the VLAP group and P < 0.0001 in the ILCP and TURP groups), Qmax (P < 0.001 in the VLAP and ILCP groups, and P < 0.0001 in the TURP group), residual urine volume (P < 0.01 in the VLAP group and P < 0.0001 in the ILCP and TURP groups). Significant reduction of the prostatic volume was recorded only in the ILCP and TURP groups (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Visual laser ablation and ILCP can be good alternative treatments for BPH. Visual laser ablation provides good outcomes in patients with small‐sized BPH and with risk factors such as heart disease or anticoagulation therapy.