bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of daily bedside chest radiography as visualized by digital luminescence radiography
Authors: Kirchner Johannes , Stueckle Christoph A , Schilling Esther M , Peters Jutta 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYTo determine the diagnostic impact of daily bedside chest radiography in comparison with digital luminescence technique (DLR; storage phosphor radiography) and conventional film screen radiography, a prospective randomized study was completed in 210 mechanically ventilated patients with a total of 420 analysed radiographs. The patients were allocated to two groups: 150 patients underwent DLR, and 60 patients underwent conventional film screen radiography. Radiological analysis was performed consensually and therapeutic efficacy was assessed by the clinicians. There was no statistical significant difference between the frequency of abnormal findings seen on DLR and conventional film screen radiography. In total, 448 abnormal findings were present in 249 of 300 DLR and 97 of 120 conventional film screen radiographs. The most common findings were signs of overhydration (41%), pleural effusion (31%), partial collapse of the lung (11%) and pneumothorax (2%). One hundred and twenty‐three of 448 (27%) of these abnormal findings were thought to have a considerable impact on patient management. The high rate of abnormal findings with significant impact on patient management suggests that the use of daily bedside chest radiography may be reasonable.
Diagnosis and management of astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and mixed gliomas: A review
Authors: Walker David G , Kaye Andrew H 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYLow‐grade gliomas are a diverse group of neoplasms which, as the name implies, are thought to arise from glial cells. Common among this group are astrocytomas (low‐grade astrocytoma; LGA), oligodendrogliomas and mixed gliomas. Among these, LGA is the commonest low‐grade glioma and, occasionally, although incorrectly, the terms are used interchangeably. Advances in imaging technology have improved the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis. The management of low‐grade gliomas is controversial. Recent evidence suggests that previously considered standard therapy (i.e. surgery plus radiotherapy) may not be in the patient’s best interests. A review of the available published research concerning low‐grade gliomas is therefore timely.
Magnetic resonance imaging features of an infected right atrial myxoma
Authors: Puvaneswary M , Thomson D 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYMyxomas are the most common primary intracardiac tumours, most commonly occurring in the left atrium, and rarely become infected. A search of the published research located only six case reports of infected right atrial myxoma. In this seventh reported case, the MRI findings are presented for the first time.
Embolization of proper hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm complicating choledochoscopic laser therapy
Authors: Auyeung KAI M , Chan YL 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYBiliary papillomatosis is a rare disease characterized by multiple papillary proliferation of the epithelial cell of the bile duct. Because it has a tendency to be recurrent, the treatment strategy is choledochoscopic laser therapy. A patient with biliary papillomatosis treated by choledochoscopic laser therapy, which was complicated by massive haemobilia and shock, is presented. An intrahepatic artery pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed on angiography. A coexisting occlusion necessitated a superselective embolization of the pseudoaneurysm in order to avoid devascularization of the left lobe of the liver.
Multiple bilateral giant fibroadenomas associated with cyclosporine A therapy in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Muttarak Malai , Peh Wilfred CG , Chaiwun Benjaporn , Lumlertgul Dusit 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA 31‐year‐old woman developed a right breast mass following cyclosporine A therapy after a renal transplant. Several large breast masses continued to grow bilaterally. Mammography and ultrasonography showed features of giant fibroadenomas. The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy of one of the masses. Awareness of the association between cyclosporine A therapy and fibroadenoma development in renal transplant recipients is highlighted.
Direct B‐mode NASCET‐style stenosis measurement and Doppler ultrasound as parameters for assessment of internal carotid artery stenosis
Authors: Rotstein Andrew H , Gibson Robert N , King Paula M 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYDoppler ultrasound grading of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis using the two parameters of spectral analysis and internal carotid to common carotid artery peak systolic velocity (ICA/CCA PSV) ratio is well established. The improvements in B‐Mode ultrasound image quality now make direct ultrasound NASCET‐style stenosis measurement possible. We demonstrate that longitudinal B‐mode imaging can produce accurate North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) style measurements which have good correlation with angiographic images. Ultrasound B‐mode stenosis measurement provides a third parameter which can be used in conjunction with the two Doppler parameters for the assessment of ICA stenosis. Taking the highest grade of stenosis of the three parameters produces a sensitivity of 100% for the detection of greater than 50% and greater than 80% stenosis with specificity of 66 and 90%, respectively. The performance of satisfactory B‐mode imaging against digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was very encouraging. When the B‐mode stenosis measurement showed a normal ICA, the positive predictive value (PPV) of the DSA being normal was 94%. When the B‐mode stenosis measurement was 35% or less, the PPV of the DSA stenosis being 35% or less was 93%. These excellent results support the use of good quality B‐Mode NASCET style stenosis measurement as the initial ultrasound measurement, with Doppler ultrasound only being performed when the B‐mode stenosis measurement is greater than 35% or if the B‐mode image is unsatisfactory. This approach would save considerable time enabling better utilization of ultrasound resources.
Systemic to portal shunting following vena cava obstruction: Computed tomography and venographic appearances
Authors: Teh LG , Schie G van , Cameron D , Sieunarine K 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYObstruction of the inferior or superior vena cava normally leads to the formation of a well‐described and consistent pattern of collateral venous pathways. We present the angiographic and CT features of the unusual development of systemic to portal venous shunting in two cases with central vein obstruction.
Guide to the radiology report
Authors: Ridley Lloyd J 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe radiology report is an important, but often neglected, aspect of radiology. Suggestions on style and content are discussed. These include: (i) concise reporting; (ii) correct English; (iii) present tense for current reporting; (iv) reading the request with care; (v) recognizing the recipients; (vi) being aware of unintended readers; (vii) stating the most important findings; (viii) where possible, quantifying findings; (ix) reporting some incidental findings; (x) avoiding a tale of woe; (xi) summarizing a longer report; (xii) using inductive logic; (xiii) using non‐radiological input (such as probability) if pertinent; (xiv) discussing minor findings in the body of the report; (xv) taking care in suggesting further investigations; (xvi) ensuring the conclusion and recommendations are clear; (xvii) considering alternate diagnoses; and (xviii) considering if a dictated report is sufficient.
Acute pulmonary schistosomiasis
Authors: Salanitri John , Stanley Peter , Hennessy Oliver 
Published: March 2003

SummaryAcute pulmonary schistosomiasis occurs in non‐immune hosts, particularly visitors to regions where Schistosoma species are endemic. While radiological findings of acute pulmonary schistosomiasis might resemble neoplastic or granulomatous disease, an appropriate travel history might suggest the diagnosis. With rising popularity of travel to Africa and South‐East Asia, the incidence of acute pulmonary schistosomiasis can be expected to increase. We describe a case of acute pulmonary schistosomiasis occurring in an Australian returning from Lake Malawi, Sub‐Saharan Africa.
ACTIVATION OF VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE K+ CHANNELS BY ENDOTHELIUM‐DERIVED RELAXING FACTORS
Authors: Waldron GJ , Cole WC 
Published: March 2003

1. Endothelium‐derived relaxing factors (EDRF), including nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin (PGI2) and an as yet uncharacterized endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), are now recognized to induce relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, in part via the activation of K+ channels.2. Experiments using selective K+ channel blockers, including iberiotoxin (IbTX), glibenclamide, apamin and 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) to inhibit endothelium‐induced relaxation suggest that more than one type of K+ channel may be involved, depending on the species and tissue, including: (i) large conductance Ca2+‐activated (BKCa) channels; (ii) ATP‐sensitive (KATP) channels; (iii) small conductance Ca2+‐activated (SKCa) channels; and (iv) voltage‐gated (Kv) K+ channels.3. Recent observations suggest a role for Kv channels in some vessels based on a sensitivity of NO‐ and PGI2‐mediated relaxations to 4‐AP, as well as a complete suppression of EDHF‐ dependent relaxation by a combination of charybdotoxin (ChTX) and apamin but not IbTX and apamin.4. The molecular identity of the K+ channels affected by EDRF is not well characterized. Recently, findings indicate that the pore‐forming α‐subunit tetramers of vascular smooth muscle BKCa channels are due to the expression of the so‐called Slo channel gene. The identities of the KATP, SKCa and Kv channels involved in endothelium‐dependent vasodilation are not known.5. The component of whole‐cell Kv current affected by PGI2 may be due to slowly inactivating, 4‐AP‐sensitive, 15 pS delayed‐rectifier K+ channels (KDR); the activity of these channels in vascular myocytes is increased by forskolin and protein kinase A (PKA) and rabbit portal vein Kv1.5 pore‐forming α‐subunits, which appear to be a component of native KDR current and possess consensus phosphorylation sequences for PKA.
ENDOTHELIN RECEPTOR DISTRIBUTION AND FUNCTION IN THE AIRWAYS
Authors: Henry PJ 
Published: March 2003

1. Within the lung, endothelin (ET)‐1 is synthesized and released by airway epithelial and vascular endothelial cells, as well as by inflammatory cells, such as macrophages. Following release, ET‐1 can modulate the activities of a wide range of different cell types within the lung through the stimulation of specific endothelin ETA and ETB receptors. The present review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the distribution and function of endothelin receptors within the airway wall and peripheral lung and, where possible, particular attention is given to studies using human cells, tissues and subjects.2. The highest densities of endothelin receptors within the lung appear to be associated with airway smooth muscle and the alveolar septae. The relative proportions of ETA and ETB receptors present within these tissues display marked interspecies differences, although ETB receptors predominate at both sites in human lung.3. The effects induced by ET‐1 within the lung include contraction and proliferation of airway smooth muscle, facilitation of cholinergic neurotransmission, mucous gland hypersecretion, microvascular leakage and inflammatory cell influx and activation. There is also evidence that a proportion of ETB receptors in the pulmonary microvasculature act as clearance receptors for endothelin‐1.4. Evidence to date suggests that changes in the endothelin content within the airway wall, conceivably associated with lung pathology, are likely to have profound effects on the function of many cells within the lung.
PARTITIONING LUNG AND PLASMA PROTEINS: CIRCULATING SURFACTANT PROTEINS AS BIOMARKERS OF ALVEOLOCAPILLARY PERMEABILITY‡
Authors: Doyle Ian R , Nicholas Terence E , Bersten Andrew D 
Published: March 2003

1. The alveolocapillary membrane faces an extraordinary task in partitioning the plasma and lung hypophase proteins, with a surface area approximately 50‐fold that of the body and only 0.1–0.2 μm thick.2. Lung permeability is compromised under a variety of circumstances and the delineation between physiological and pathological changes in permeability is not always clear. Although the tight junctions of the epithelium, rather than the endothelium, are regarded as the major barrier to fluid and protein flux, it is becoming apparent that the permeability of both are dynamically regulated.3. Whereas increased permeability and the flux of plasma proteins into the alveolar compartment has dire consequences, fortuitously the flux of surfactant proteins from the airspaces into the circulation may provide a sensitive means of non‐ invasively monitoring the lung, with important implications for treatment modalities.4. Surfactant proteins are unique in that they are present in the alveolar hypophase in high concentrations. They diffuse down their vast concentration gradients (approximately 1:1500–7000) into the circulation in a manner that reflects lung function and injury score. Surfactant proteins vary markedly in size (approximately 20–650 kDa) and changes in the relative amounts appear particularly diagnostic with regard to disease severity. Alveolar levels of surfactant proteins remain remarkably constant despite respiratory disease and, unlike the flux of plasma proteins into the alveolus, which may reach equilibrium in acute lung injury, the flux of surfactant proteins is unidirectional because of the concentration gradient and because they are rapidly cleared from the circulation.5. Ultimately, the diagnostic usefulness of surfactant proteins as markers of alveolocapillary permeability will demand a sound understanding of their kinetics through the vascular compartment.
NITRIC OXIDE, ENDOTHELIN AND NEPHRON TRANSPORT: POTENTIAL INTERACTIONS
Authors: Plato Craig F , Garvin Jeffrey L 
Published: March 2003

1. Nitric oxide (NO) is produced and/or regulates transport in many segments of the nephron, including the proximal convoluted tubule, proximal straight tubule, thick ascending limb, cortical collecting duct and inner medullary collecting duct.2. Endothelin (ET) is produced and/or regulates nephron transport in many of the segments that produce NO or in which transport is regulated by NO.3. Four potential interactions between NO and ET are: (i) NO and ET may be antagonistic; (ii) NO and ET may be complementary; (iii) the effects of ET may be mediated via NO; and (iv) the effects of NO may be mediated by ET.4. In conclusion, direct studies examining the interactions between NO and ET are few. However, circumstantial evidence suggests there may be many interactions between NO and ET in the regulation of nephron transport. In particular, recent data obtained from the collecting duct and thick ascending limb indicate that the effects of ET may be mediated by the production of NO and stimulation of its second messenger cascade.
EFFECTS OF VOLUNTARY EXERCISE AND L‐ARGININE ON THROMBOGENESIS AND MICROCIRCULATION IN STROKE‐PRONE SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS
Authors: Noguchi Takanori , Sasaki Yasuto , Seki Junji , Giddings John C , Yamamoto Junichiro 
Published: March 2003

1. The preventive effects of exercise and L‐arginine intake on hypertension and thrombosis in stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) were studied.2. Stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats were divided into three groups: (i) the control, sedentary group; (ii) the exercise group, which was allowed to run voluntarily on running wheels; and (iii) the L‐arginine intake group, which was given 2.25%L‐arginine solution for 8 weeks from 4 to 12 weeks of age. In the control group, one rat died from stroke and symptoms of stroke were observed in the remaining animals. Similar symptoms were recorded in one rat of the exercise group, but not in the L‐arginine group.3. Blood pressure increased in the control group and this increase was suppressed significantly in the exercise and L‐arginine groups. Thrombotic potential in cerebral vessels was the lowest at 4 weeks in all groups and was increased significantly at 12 weeks in the control group, but not in the exercise and L‐arginine groups. Plasma concentrations of NO2/NO3 were lower in all animals at 12 weeks compared with those at 4 weeks. This reduction was significantly less marked in the L‐arginine group. Cerebral arterioles in control rats at 12 weeks of age were significantly smaller in diameter than those at 4 weeks and these changes were less pronounced in the exercise and L‐arginine groups.4. The results provide clear evidence for the beneficial effects of L‐arginine intake and voluntary exercise in mechanisms related to hypertension, thrombosis and stroke.
COMPARISON OF OSCILLOMETRIC BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS AT THE WRIST WITH AN UPPER‐ARM AUSCULTATORY MERCURY SPHYGMOMANOMETER
Authors: Rogers Penny , Burke Valerie , Stroud Pat , Puddey Ian B 
Published: March 2003

1. Oscillometric devices for blood pressure (BP) measurement at the wrist are becoming more widely used in clinical practice. However, systematic comparisons with standard auscultatory BP measurement at the brachial artery are scarce. Therefore, we compared two such devices, the Boso‐Mediwatch (Bosch & Sohn GmbH U. Co., Jungingen, Germany) and the Omron R3 (Omron Corp., Tokyo, Japan), with upper‐arm auscultatory mercury sphygmomanometry.2. In 20 normotensive subjects and 20 treated hypertensive subjects, the Boso‐Mediwatch was applied to the left wrist by observer 1 and was compared with mercury sphygmomanometry of the right upper arm by observer 2. Each observer swapped sides and the procedure was repeated. The Boso‐Mediwatch was then applied to the right wrist by observer 1 and was compared with mercury sphygmomanometry of the left upper arm by observer 2. Each observer once again swapped sides and the procedure was repeated. An identical protocol was followed for the Omron R3 in a further 20 treated hypertensive subjects and 20 normotensive subjects.3. There were no significant differences between observers or left versus right arm for either oscillometric device or when measurements were performed by mercury sphygmomanometry. In normotensive subjects, the Boso‐Mediwatch readings were higher than mercury sphygmomanometer readings, with mean differences (95% confidence intervals) of 3.9 (0.1, 7.6; P = 0.045) and 7.0 mmHg (4.7, 9.2; P < 0.001) for systolic and diastolic BP, respectively. In hypertensive subjects, the Boso‐Mediwatch readings were lower for systolic BP (mean difference – 6.0 mmHg (– 11.6, – 0.3; P = 0.04) but were higher for diastolic BP (mean difference 3.8 mmHg (1.4, 6.3; P < 0.01).4. In normotensive subjects, the Omron R3 readings were higher, with mean differences of 3.2 (0.6, 5.8; P = 0.018) and 4.2 mmHg (1.6, 6.7; P = 0.003) for systolic and diastolic BP, respectively. In hypertensive subjects, the Omron R3 readings were lower for both systolic and diastolic BP (mean differences: – 5.8 (– 8.8, – 2.8; P = 0.001) and – 5.5 (– 9.3, – 1.6; P = 0.008), respectively).5. For the Boso‐Mediwatch, weighted least products analysis confirmed the presence of both fixed and proportional error for systolic BP but not for diastolic BP. For the Omron R3, fixed or proportional error was not detected for either systolic or diastolic BP.6. These wrist oscillometric devices, although offering portability and convenience, give BP measurements that frequently differ substantially (by at least 5 mmHg) from readings simultaneously measured at the upper arm by a mercury sphygmomanometer. The magnitude and direction of differences detected are dependent on both the device used and the underlying level of BP.
LIPOCORTIN‐1 PRESERVES MYOCARDIAL RESPONSIVENESS TO β‐ADRENERGIC STIMULATION IN RAT PAPILLARY MUSCLE
Authors: Ritchie Rebecca H , Sun Xiaolu , Dusting Gregory J 
Published: March 2003

1. During septic shock, myocardial contractile dysfunction is accompanied by the release of cytokines and enhanced production of nitric oxide, and the contractile dysfunction is prevented by glucocorticoids.2. Myocardial dysfunction was induced in vitro by incubation of rat papillary muscle for 15 h with endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ).3. Both baseline contractile function and inotropic responsiveness to isoprenaline were markedly reduced by the combination of LPS plus IFN‐γ.4. Lipocortin‐1 (LC‐1) is induced by glucocorticoids, and LC‐12–26, its N‐terminal fragment, protected the papillary muscle inotropic responsiveness to isoprenaline, but did not affect the decline in baseline contractile function induced by LPS plus IFN‐γ.5. The mechanisms of this protective action need to be explored further, but LC‐1 may prove to be a novel cardioprotective agent for the management of septic shock.
FROM ANIMAL MODELS TO HUMANS
Authors: Nabika Toru 
Published: March 2003

1. Essential hypertension is a mixture of several ‘hypertensions’ with different aetiologies. Analyses of inbred rat models of hypertension have so far provided several candidate loci and genes that may be responsible for hypertension. Among them, SA and α‐adducin were evaluated in humans both by linkage and association analyses. However, the results are still controversial. Two major reasons may account for these discrepancies.2. Heterogeneity of human essential hypertension still keeps us from comprehensive conclusions. Comparative analysis of more than one homogeneous population may be necessary to overcome this problem.3. As in the case of SA, a lack of information on the physiological or pathophysiological roles of candidate genes makes it difficult to evaluate them in human hypertension. Efforts to find good intermediate phenotypes regulated directly by putative hypertension genes are essential to dissect a heterogeneous mixture of ‘hypertensions’. In this context, physiological studies on congenic strains as well as conventional rat models will become important.
BAD GENES, GOOD PEOPLE, ASSOCIATION, LINKAGE, LONGEVITY AND THE PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Authors: Luft Friedrich C 
Published: March 2003

1. Cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death, is the product of risk factors such as hypertension, lipid disturbances, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular hypertrophy and nicotine smoking, all of which are influenced by genetic variance. Thus, genes that influence these factors have a considerable bearing on longevity.2. Although mortality rates increase exponentially with increasing age, an interesting tendency towards a plateau occurs, suggesting that old individuals are somewhat protected from the propensity to die. This phenomenon is difficult to explain.3. One possibility is a model of repair, in which certain alleles exert a beneficial influence at an advanced age.4. An alternative explanation might be a mutation that exerts both negative and positive effects.5. The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene exerts was observed to have an effect on heart size. The D allele was linked to a greater heart size, compared with the I allele in a modified sib‐pair model. This potentially deleterious effect was counterbalanced by linkage of the D allele to increased heart rate variability, which is potentially a beneficial attribute. Furthermore, in a cohort of the German population over age 80 years, it was observed that the D allele occurred at a frequency higher than would be expected.6. The present study discusses the hypothesis that the ACE gene I/D polymorphism may be a genetic variant with both negative and positive effects.