bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of complement regulatory proteins CR1, DAF, MCP and CD59in haematological malignancies
Authors: Guc Dicle , Canpınar Hande , Kucukaksu Can , Kansu Emin 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Host cells are protected from the lytic effect of the complement system by complement regulatory proteins. This study was designed to investigate the expression of complement regulatory proteins on leukemic blasts which may be susceptible to the lytic effects of the complement system in the circulation. The surface expressions of complement regulatory proteins, complement receptor 1 (CR1, CD35), decay accelerating factor (DAF, CD55), and homologous restriction factor 20 (HRF20, CD59), on peripheral blood and bone marrow blasts were evaluated by using flow cytometry in 16 acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), 16 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 4 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 3 chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) patients and control granulocytes and lymphocytes obtained from 15 healthy volunteers. mRNA expression was investigated by Northern blot analysis. mRNA abundances were calculated after normalization according to 28s rRNA. Surface expressions of CR1 and DAF were marginally (p=0.08 and p=0.08, respectively) lower in AML, and DAF expression was significantly lower (p=0.0008) in ALL patients in comparison to their normal counterparts. Except from a slight increase that is detected for CD59 in CML patients (P=0.06), there was no significant difference between the surface expressions of CD59 in any of the groups studied. Densitometric analysis of autoradiographs obtained from Northern blots revealed that in AML patients, CR1 mRNA expression were 5.5‐fold lower than controls (p=0.06), while DAF mRNA expression was significantly higher (p=0.0046). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of CR1 in ALL patients was found significanly lower than in the control group (p=0.0419). None of the values obtained from the other groups were significantly different from each other. These results suggest that leukemic blasts are protected from the lytic attack of the complement system at all levels, since all of the complement membrane regulatory proteins were expressed in all leukemia types (although at lower amounts in some cases), and it is also possible to use CR1 and DAF as differentiation markers in acute leukemias.
The impact of vegetarianism on some haematological parameters
Authors: Obeid Rima , Geisel Jürgen , Schorr Heike , Hübner Ulrich , Herrmann Wolfgang 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Objective
: Subjects adopting a vegetarian diet are liable to vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies. Co‐existing vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies may give an equivocal haematological picture, which may, in turn, delay making an early diagnosis. The current work was undertaken to investigate some haematological parameters in relation to vitamin B12 and iron status in vegetarians.
Subjects and methods
: Twenty‐nine vegans, 64 lacto‐ and lacto‐ovo‐vegetarians, in addition to 20 occasional meat eaters, were enrolled for this study. The total group included 49 males and 64 females aged [mean (SD) = 46(15) yr]. Complete blood count, methylmalonic acid (MMA), homocysteine (HCY), ferritin, and transferrin concentrations and percentage transferrin saturation were assayed, using conventional methods.
Results
: Vegans displayed the highest MMA and HCY levels (median MMA = 708 nmol L

−1
; HCY = 12.8 µmol L

−1
). A lower lymphocyte count and a higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were found in vegans compared with lacto‐ or lacto‐ovo‐vegetarians (median = 1.51 × 10
9
vs. 1.83 × 10
9

L

−1
; 92 vs. 89 fL, respectively). Vitamin B12‐deficient subjects in the higher range of transferrin saturation percentage had higher MCV than vitamin B12‐deficient subjects in the lower transferrin saturation range (mean MCV = 92 vs. 89 fL). A lower platelet count was found in the highest quartile of MMA (mean = 211 × 10
9

L

−1
) and in the highest quartile of HCY (mean = 215 × 10
9

L

−1
), compared with the other quartiles. Lower lymphocyte and platelet counts and higher MCV were found in subjects with elevated MMA and HCY, compared to those with normal metabolites. Factors that explained the variations in MCV were red blood cell count, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and methylmalonic acid levels.
Conclusion : vitamin B12 and iron status were compromised by a vegetarian diet. Variations in mean corpuscular volume were determined by iron and vitamin B12 status. Lower lymphocyte and platelet count were accompanied by metabolic evidence that indicated vitamin B12 deficiency.
Long‐term hydroxyurea therapy in beta‐thalassaemia patients
Authors: De Paula Erich Vinicius , Lima Carmen Silvia Passos , Arruda Valder Roberval , Alberto Fernando Lopes , Saad Sara Teresinha Ollala , Costa Fernando Ferreira 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Objective: The study aimed to investigate the use of hydroxyurea (HU) for the treatment of beta‐thalassaemia (β‐thal) patients.Methods: We examined the haematological effects of orally administered HU (10–20 mg/kg/d) in 11 patients, including four β‐thal major and seven β‐thal intermedia patients. Complete blood count and levels of foetal haemoglobin (HbF), liver enzymes and serum creatinine were evaluated before and during HU. Response to therapy was evaluated at 6 months of treatment.Results: A substantial increase in haemoglobin (Hb) level (4.1 g/dL), leading to complete withdrawal from a regular transfusion programme, was observed in one unique β‐thal major patient. In the β‐thal intermedia patients, increases in Hb level of 1.3, 1.9 and 2.0 g/dL were observed in three of seven (42.9%) patients during HU therapy. The mean values of Hb, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and HbF were higher during HU treatment than baseline values (8.7 vs. 7.7 g/dL, P = 0.05; 26.7 vs. 22.9 pg, P = 0.05; 57.2 vs. 44.9%, P = 0.04; respectively). In contrast, the mean reticulocyte count measured during therapy decreased (97.0 × 109 vs. 632.0 × 109/L, P = 0.03). No correlations were observed between levels of Hb and HbF (r = 0.77, P = 0.10), and levels of Hb and reticulocyte counts (r = 0.26, P = 0.31). No significant toxicity was observed in our patients.Conclusion: These results suggest that HU may improve Hb levels in β‐thal. Thus, we may conclude that a large trial concerning the response to HU in these patients should be carried out to clarify this issue.
Absence of the granular layer and keratohyalin define a morphologically distinct subset of individuals with ichthyosis vulgaris
Authors: Fleckman Philip , Brumbaugh Steven 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: The clinical diagnosis of ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) can be difficult. Abnormalities in the granular layer and the ultrastructure of keratohyalin granules (KHG) suggest that morphology may be helpful. To clarify morphologic findings in IV, 41 clinically affected individuals and 21 unaffected family members or age‐ and sex‐matched controls were studied by light microscopy. In these, the granular layer was totally absent in approximately 50% of affected individuals, while present in all controls. Forty‐seven individuals in the light microscopy group were also studied by electron microscopy. Keratohyalin granules were absent in all affected individuals lacking the granular layer by light microscopy. Clinical severity usually correlated with the lack of a granular layer and KHG. Absence of the granular layer was consistent in different anatomic sites and in serial biopsies taken over a 1–3‐year period. In a subset of clinically affected, unrelated subjects with moderate to severe involvement, four out of 11 (36%) had similar findings. Keratinocytes cultured from affected individuals with no KHG expressed virtually no detectable profilaggrin protein in vitro.The data suggest that a subset of individuals with moderate to severe IV have a consistently absent granular layer and KHG. Absence of the granular layer and lack of KHG correlated almost perfectly; thus light microscopy offers a convenient means of identifying this subtype of IV. However, both morphologic types of IV were observed within single families. Therefore, the relationship between granular layer abnormalities and IV is complex and requires the study of more affected families. One interpretation of the data is that IV is a multigenic disorder in which one of the genes alters profilaggrin expression. We propose this clinical and histologic phenotype as useful for identifying the gene(s) involved and also for determining whether it represents a modifier or a major locus of the disorder.
High Altitude Residence During Pregnancy Alters Cytokine and Catecholamine Levels
Authors: Coussons‐Read Mary E. , Mazzeo Robert S. , Whitford Margaret H. , Schmitt Mischel , Moore Lorna G. , Zamudio Stacy 
Published: March 2003

Coussons‐Read ME, Mazzeo RS, Whitford MH, Schmitt M, Moore LG, Zamudio S. High altitude residence during pregnancy alters cytokine and catecholamine levels. AJRI 2002: 48:344–354 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002This study assessed the impact of high altitude residence during pregnancy on parameters of maternal immune and endocrine system function. Urinary catecholamines, and serum cytokines, estriol, and cortisol were assessed during pregnancy in women living at moderate or high altitude. Women residing at high altitude exhibited elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines only during pregnancy, and tended to have higher levels of catecholamines during pregnancy than women living at lower altitude. These data suggest that the combination of high altitude and pregnancy alters the maternal neural‐immune axis in a manner that may predispose women to suboptimal birth outcomes.
Spontaneous Secretion of Interleukin‐4, Interleukin‐10 and Interferon‐γ by First Trimester Decidual Mononuclear Cells
Authors: EKERFELT C. , LIDSTRÖM C. , MATTHIESEN L. , BERG G. , SHARMA S. , ERNERUDH J. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: A T‐helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokine dominated microenvironment has been predicted to be crucial for successful pregnancy. However, little information is available about local cytokine secretion in the human decidua. We determined the spontaneous secretion of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and IL‐10 by decidual mononuclear cells at the single cell level and compared it with their secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the first trimester of pregnancy.METHODS OF STUDY: The cytokine secretion from decidual and blood cells was detected by a sensitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot‐forming cell (ELISPOT)‐assay.RESULTS: Cells secreting IL‐4 (median 153, range 8–530), IL‐10 (median 188, range 32–1600) and IFN‐γ (median 123, range 15–1140) were detected in all decidual and blood samples. The cytokine secretion showed a co‐linear pattern in both the blood and decidua, i.e. when one cytokine was secreted at high levels, the others followed the trend. No correlation was found between the number of cytokine secreting cells in blood and decidua for any of the cytokines.CONCLUSIONS: Interleukin‐4 and IL‐10 are locally secreted in the decidua early during normal pregnancy, probably counteracting the fetal rejecting effects of co‐expressed IFN‐γ. The cytokine secretion by blood cells does not generally reflect the local secretion pattern during first trimester pregnancy.
Prevalence of teeth with untreated dental trauma among nursery and primary school pupils in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kahabuka Febronia Kokulengya , Plasschaert Alphons , Van‘t Hof Martin 
Published: March 2003

Abstract – The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of teeth with untreated dental trauma among children aged 4–15 years in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A sample of 4524 children from three districts of different socio‐economic status in the Dar es Salaam area was examined for signs of dental trauma in 1998/99.In 21% of all children examined, at least one type of untreated dental trauma was observed. A high percentage of untreated dental trauma was observed at the ages of 4 and 15 years. The most frequently observed type of dental trauma was enamel fracture (67%) followed by enamel‐dentin fracture (26%). A significant gender influence on the occurrence of untreated dental trauma was observed, with more boys (23%) having untreated dental trauma than girls (19%). A higher percentage of untreated dental traumas was observed among children in the district with highest SES (26%) compared to the prevalence in the other two districts (14–17%). The findings of this study show that dental traumas are prevalent among Tanzanian children. Therefore, provision of information to the lay community about the importance of early management of dental trauma, ways of preventing trauma and appropriate handling of avulsed teeth is essential in order to minimize the rate of dental injuries and the related complications.
Prospective randomized multicentre trial comparing stapled with open haemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Ganio E , Altomare D F , Gabrielli F , Milito G , Canuti S 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to compare the results of conventional open haemorrhoidectomy as currently practised in Italy (group 1) with stapled haemorrhoidectomy using a 33-mm circular stapling device (group 2).

Methods
One hundred patients with symptomatic third- and fourth-degree haemorrhoids were enrolled by five hospitals. Patients were allocated to the two groups according to a centralized randomization scheme featuring five permutated blocks of 20. Preoperative clinical examination and anorectal manometry demonstrated no features of anal incontinence. Patients had a clinical and manometric re-evaluation after operation and were asked to complete a clinical diary. After a median of 16 (range 8–19) months patients were administered a standardized questionnaire by telephone.

Results
Postoperative bleeding requiring haemostatic procedures occurred in three patients in each group. Patients in group 1 complained of moderate pain for a median of 5·3 (range 0–19) days compared with 3·1 (range 0–10) days in group 2 (P = 0·01), while severe pain was present for 2·3 (range 0–24) days in group 1 but only for 1 (range 0–14) day in group 2 (P = 0·03). The median hospital stay was 2 days in group 1 compared with 1 day in group 2 (P = 0·01). In the early days after operation, patients in group 2 had greater difficulty in maintaining normal continence to liquid stools (P = 0·01), but after 30 days the continence score was better in group 2 (P = 0·04).

Conclusion
Stapled haemorrhoidectomy is as effective as conventional haemorrhoidectomy. Reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and a trend toward earlier return to work suggest short-term advantages for the stapled technique.
Meta-analysis of low molecular weight heparin in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in general surgery
Authors: Mismetti P , Laporte S , Darmon J-Y , Buchmüller A , Decousus H 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) have become routine thromboprophylaxis in general surgery. However, their actual clinical effect, its magnitude relative to that of unfractionated heparin (UFH), and the optimal dose are still debated.

Methods
A meta-analysis was performed of all available randomized trials in general surgery comparing LMWH with placebo or no treatment, or with UFH.

Results
Comparison versus placebo or no treatment confirmed that the significant reduction in asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) obtained with LMWH (n = 513; relative risk (RR) 0·28 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·14–0·54)) was associated with a significant reduction in clinical pulmonary embolism (n = 5456; RR 0·25 (0·08–0·79)) and clinical venous thromboembolism (VTE) (n = 4890; RR 0·29 (0·11–0·73)), and a trend towards a reduction in overall mortality rate. Comparison versus UFH showed a trend in favour of LMWH, with a significant reduction in clinical VTE (P = 0·049), a trend also found for cancer surgery. LMWH at doses below 3400 anti-Xa units seemed to be as effective as, and safer than, UFH, while higher doses yielded slightly superior efficacy but increased haemorrhagic risk, including that of major haemorrhage.

Conclusion
Asymptomatic DVT may be regarded as a reliable surrogate endpoint for clinical outcome in studies investigating thromboprophylaxis in general surgery. LMWH seems to be as effective and safe as UFH. Determination of the optimal dose regimen of LMWH for this indication requires further investigation.
Late mortality in patients with severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Gloor B , Müller C A , Worni M , Martignoni M E , Uhl W , Büchler M W 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
Mortality due to severe or necrotizing acute pancreatitis most often results from multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) occurring either early (within the first 14 days) or 2 weeks or more after the onset of symptoms due to septic complications. The aim of this study was to analyse the course of the disease in patients who died from severe acute pancreatitis.

Methods
Between January 1994 and August 2000 details of 263 consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis were entered prospectively into a database. All patients were treated in an intermediate or intensive care unit.

Results
The overall mortality rate was 4 per cent (ten of 263 patients). The mortality rate was 9 per cent (ten of 106) in patients with necrotizing disease. No patient died within the first 2 weeks of disease onset. The median day of death was 91 (range 15–209). Six patients died from septic MODS. Ranson score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score during the first week of disease, pre-existing co-morbidity, body mass index, infection and extent of necrosis were significantly associated with death (P &lt; 0·01 for all parameters). However, only infection of the necrotic pancreas was an independent risk factor in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion
Early deaths in patients with severe acute pancreatitis are rare, mainly as a result of modern intensive care treatment. Nine of the ten deaths occurred more than 3 weeks after disease onset. Infection of pancreatic necrosis was the main risk factor for death.
Differences in the detection of cyclo-oxygenase 1 and 2 proteins in symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques
Authors: Wijeyaratne S M , Abbott C R , Homer-Vanniasinkam S , Mavor A I D , Gough M J 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
The expression of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) 1 and 2 has been demonstrated in atherosclerotic arteries. In the present study this was correlated with symptoms arising from a carotid plaque.

Methods
Carotid plaques from 12 asymptomatic patients were compared with 11 plaques from patients who had had neurological symptoms within the preceding 30 days. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, elastin van Gieson and goat antihuman antibodies to COX-1 and COX-2. Plaque morphology was correlated with neurological symptoms. The area with positive COX-1 and COX-2 staining was measured by computerized planimetry in entire cross-sections and in specific areas of the plaque.

Results
There was a significant association between cap thinning and plaque rupture with symptoms (P = 0·003). The percentage area of positive staining in entire cross-sections for both COX-1 and COX-2 was significantly greater in symptomatic plaques (P = 0·001 and 0·0004 respectively). Staining in symptomatic plaques was significantly greater in the cap (COX-1: P = 0·001; COX-2: P = 0·0001) and shoulder (COX-1: P = 0·008; COX-2: P = 0·007) regions of the plaque. COX-1 expression in the sclerotic area was not increased (P = 0·15) although COX-2 staining was significantly greater (P = 0·04).

Conclusion
Both COX-1 and COX-2 detection was increased in symptomatic plaques. COX may contribute to plaque rupture and the onset of symptoms.
Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers of the aorta
Authors: Troxler M , Mavor A I D , Homer-Vanniasinkam S 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
Penetrating aortic ulcers burrow into the aortic wall and can have fatal consequences. Although they were first described as long ago as 1934 they have only recently been recognized as a distinct pathological entity.

Method
A review of the current literature was undertaken, based primarily on an English language Medline search with secondary references obtained from key articles.

Results
Penetrating aortic ulcer is principally a disease of elderly hypertensive men. It may run a benign course or may produce complications such as aortic rupture, embolization and aneurysm formation. Presentation may be identical to that of classical aortic dissection, but the distinction is important because an ulcer may be more likely to cause rupture.

Conclusion
Open surgical repair has been the ‘gold standard’ of treatment but endovascular stenting is an attractive option in this group of frail patients.
Role of fundoplication in patient symptomatology after laparoscopic antireflux surgery
Authors: de Beaux A C , Watson D I , O'Boyle C , Jamieson G G 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
Symptoms following antireflux surgery are often seen as unavoidable sequelae of the operation. The aims were to determine the frequency of new adverse sequelae following antireflux surgery and the preoperative incidence of similar symptoms.

Methods
Patients undergoing fundoplication underwent prospective assessment of symptoms using a structured interview before and 6 months after surgery. In addition to the presence or absence of symptoms, Visick scores, visual analogue scales and a composite dysphagia score were used.

Results
Some 312 patients were evaluated. Antireflux surgery significantly diminished the symptoms of heartburn, epigastric pain, regurgitation, bloating, odynophagia, nausea, vomiting, diet restriction, nocturnal coughing and wheezing. In contrast, there was a significant increase in inability to belch, diarrhoea and increased passage of flatus. The symptoms of dysphagia, postprandial fullness or early satiety and anorexia were not significantly altered by antireflux surgery. There was, however, a group of patients who experienced new or worsened dysphagia after surgery and were more likely to do so if they had no dysphagia before surgery (31 per cent) than if dysphagia was present before surgery (19 per cent). Some 93 per cent of patients were satisfied with the overall outcome of the operation.

Conclusion
The majority of patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux derive symptomatic benefit and are satisfied with the outcome. Many of the so-called postfundoplication sequelae are present before surgery in many patients. Overall, antireflux surgery does not lead to increased dysphagia or bloating.
Survey of the use of thromboprophylaxis in laparoscopic surgery in Denmark
Authors: Filtenborg Tvedskov T , Rasmussen M S , Wille-Jørgensen P 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to determine the current use of thromboprophylaxis for laparoscopic surgery in Denmark.

Methods
Postal questionnaires were sent to all Danish surgical departments that performed laparoscopic surgery according to the National Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Database.

Results
There was a written protocol for thromboprophylaxis in 93 per cent of the responding departments. In 37 per cent thromboprophylaxis was used for all patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery; only 7 per cent used thromboprophylaxis sporadically. All departments used low molecular weight heparin, 74 per cent in combination with graduated compression stockings. The criteria for using thromboprophylaxis varied greatly; in many departments conversion of the procedure to an open operation was not considered a criterion. Some 20 per cent of the departments reported previous thromboembolic complications following laparoscopic surgery.

Conclusion
Despite the widespread use of thromboprophylaxis, symptomatic thromboembolic complications were reported from several departments. Further studies are needed to determine whether laparoscopic surgery should be considered a high-risk procedure.