bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recurrent endometriosis following hysterectomy and oophorectomy: the role of residual ovarian fragments
Authors: Dmowski W.P. , Radwanska E. , Rana N. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractSeven women with recurrent endometriosis after definitive surgery were evaluated. Plasma estradiol, FSH and LH indicated that recurrence was stimulated by residual ovarian fragments in six and pseudopregnancy regimen in one. Surgical treatment in two women was followed in one by hypertrophy of another ovarian fragment and reactivation of endometriosis as demonstrated by serial endocrine and ultrasonographic studies. Three patients responded well to hormonal treatment; one required pelvic irradiation. We conclude that: (1) small ovarian fragments may hypertrophy under increased gonadrotropin stimulation, become functional and stimulate recurrence of endometriosis; (2) resection of one such fragment may be followed by reactivation of another.
Endometrial carcinoma and its precursors: Early detection and treatment
Authors: Mencaglia L. , Valle R.F. , Perino A. , Gilardi G. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractEndometrial carcinoma is the most frequent genital neoplasia in women. Precursors of this condition include endometrial hyperplasia, particularly when cytologic atypia occurs. Among the frequent early clinical manifestations of endometrial carcinoma is abnormal uterine bleeding that must be differentiated from bleeding associated with benign conditions. Early detection of endometrial carcinoma and its precursors in women at risk is the best prophylactic measure in the final therapeutic outcome. In this review, the accuracy of methods of early diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma and its precursors is assessed, in order to provide early therapy and optimum prognosis. The epidemiology of endometrial carcinoma, as well as the risk factors for the development of this neoplasia, are also reviewed. A histologic classification of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma of the endometrium, based on current theories of histopathogenesis, is included.
Occurrence of human papillomavirus DNA types 16 and 18 (HPV‐16/18) in cervical smears as compared to cytological findings
Authors: Köchel H.G. , Teichmann A. , Eckardt N. , Arendt P. , Kuhn W. , Thomssen R. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractCervical smears from 2336 women were examined for the presence of HPV‐16/18 by dot‐blot hybridization using 32P‐labeled HPV‐16/18 DNA under high stringency conditions. The hybridization data were compared with cytological findings classified according to Papanicolaou. The ages of the patients ranged from under 20 to over 70 years. Ninety‐eight (4.4%) of the 2237 cytologically normal cervical samples (Pap I and II) were HPV‐16/18 positive. Thirteen out of 32 (40.6%) samples showing signs of mild and moderate dysplasia (Pap IIID) were found to be HPV‐16/18 positive. In 5 out of 7 (71.4%) samples from women with severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ (Pap IV) and in 9 out of 25 (32.1%) samples from patients with invasive cervical carcinoma (Pap V) HPV‐16/18 DNA was detected. Thirty‐two smears were from women with severe unspecific cervical inflammation (Pap III). Two (6.2%) out of them were HPV‐16/18 positive. Normal smears showed an apparent age‐dependent pattern of HPV‐16/18 positivity with a peak prevalence of 10.6% among women younger than 20 years old. The majority of premalignant lesions was detected among women younger than 40 years old; whereas all invasive lesions were from women older than 39 years. Compared to the HPV‐16/18 prevalence rate in normal smears, abnormal smears harbored HPV‐16/18 DNA approximately 9 times more frequently. This finding supports the hypothesis that HPV‐16/18 may be involved in the development of cervical cancer.
Girls Rock, Boys Roll: An Analysis of the Age 14–16 Gender Gap in English Schools
Authors: Burgess Simon , McConnell Brendon , Propper Carol , Wilson Deborah 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe investigate possible explanations for the educational gender gap at age 16. We employ a national dataset of matched exam results of the cohort of pupils who took Key Stage 3 tests in 1999 and GCSEs in 2001. Our key result is the sheer consistency of the gender gap, across both the attainment and the ability distribution, with regard to both raw outcomes and value added. It is primarily driven by performance differentials in English. The generality of the gender gap suggests its source is not within‐school practice, which means that policy directed at improving such practice may be misplaced.
NQO1 activity in the main and the accessory olfactory systems correlates with the zonal topography of projection maps
Authors: Gussing Fredrik , Bohm Staffan 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe mouse olfactory epithelium (OE) is divided into spatial zones, each containing neurons expressing zone‐specific subsets of odorant receptor genes. Likewise, the vomeronasal (VN) organ is organized into apical and basal subpopulations of neurons expressing different VN receptor gene families. Axons projecting from the different OE zones and VN subpopulations form synapses within circumscribed regions in the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb (OB) and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), respectively. We here show that mature neurons in one defined zone selectively express NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), an enzyme that catalyses reduction of quinones. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization analyses show non‐overlapping expression of NQO1 and the Rb8 neural cell adhesion molecule (RNCAM/OCAM) in OE and axon terminals within glomeruli of the OB. In addition, NQO1 immunoreactivity reveals selective, zone‐specific axon fasciculation in the olfactory nerve. VN subpopulations do not show complementary patterns of RNCAM and NQO1 immunoreactivity, instead both genes are co‐expressed in apical VN neurons that project to the rostral AOB. These results indicate that one division of both the accessory and the main olfactory projection maps are composed of sensory neurons that are specialized to reduce environmental and/or endogenously produced quinones via an NQO1‐dependent mechanism. The role of NQO1 in bioactivation of quinoidal drugs also points to a connection between zone‐specific NQO1 expression and zone‐specific toxicity of certain olfactory toxins.
Endogenous adenosine modulates epileptiform activity in rat hippocampus in a receptor subtype‐dependent manner
Authors: Etherington Lori‐An V. , Frenguelli Bruno G. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe purine nucleoside adenosine is released during seizure activity and exerts an anticonvulsant influence through inhibition of glutamate release and hyperpolarization of neurons via adenosine A1 receptors. However, activation of adenosine A2A and A3 receptors may counteract the inhibitory effects of A1 receptors. We have therefore examined the extent to which endogenous adenosine released during seizure activity activates the different adenosine receptor subtypes and the implications for seizure activity in the rat hippocampus in vitro. Brief trains of high‐frequency stimulation in nominally Mg2+‐free artificial cerebrospinal fluid evoked epileptiform activity and resulted in a transient depression of the simultaneously recorded CA1 field excitatory postsynaptic potential. In the presence of 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dimethylxanthine (CPT), an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, the occurrence of spontaneous seizure activity was greatly increased as was the duration and intensity of evoked seizures, whilst the postictal depression of basal synaptic transmission was greatly attenuated. Application of ZM 241385, an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, shortened the duration of epileptiform activity, whereas administration of MRS 1191, an adenosine A3 receptor antagonist, both decreased the duration and intensity of seizures. Combined application of the A2A and A3 receptor antagonists also resulted in a reduction in seizure duration and intensity. However, no evidence was found for a role for protein kinase C in the regulation of seizure activity by endogenous adenosine. Our data confirm the dominant anticonvulsant role that endogenous and tonic adenosine play via the A1 receptor, and suggest that the additional adenosine receptor subtypes may compromise this anticonvulsant property through promotion of seizure activity.
The Type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram interferes with drug‐induced conditioned place preference but not immediate early gene induction in mice
Authors: Thompson Barbara E. , Sachs Benjamin D. , Kantak Kathleen M. , Cherry James A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBehavioural effects of psychostimulant and opiate drugs are mediated in part by cAMP pathways operating in the nucleus accumbens. Degradation of cAMP occurs through the action of phosphodiesterases, such as the Type IV phosphodiesterases (PDE4s) that are found throughout the brain. To examine the potential role of PDE4 in reward‐mediated behaviour, we measured the effects of rolipram, a PDE4 selective inhibitor, on cocaine (18 mg/kg i.p.) and morphine (5 mg/kg s.c.) conditioned place preference in Swiss Webster mice. Rolipram (0, 0.2 or 1.0 mg/kg i.p.) given 30 min prior to drug administration dose‐dependently reduced conditioning due to both cocaine and morphine. However, rolipram did not affect place preference induced by food, nor did it prevent the expression of a previously established place preference conditioned by cocaine or morphine. In a second experiment, rolipram administered 30 min prior to a single cocaine injection (50 mg/kg i.p.), did not alter cocaine‐induced c‐Fos expression in the caudate putamen or nucleus accumbens core. However, rolipram, but not cocaine, induced c‐Fos in the nucleus accumbens shell. These results indicate that elevation of cAMP in neurons that express PDE4s may attenuate the rewarding properties of cocaine and morphine, but does not alter the cocaine signalling cascade that induces c‐Fos expression. Thus, PDE4‐mediated regulation of cAMP levels could underlie the establishment of reward valence to abused drugs.
Strong impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on survival in patients with human immunodeficiency virus‐associated Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Hoffmann Christian , Chow Kai Uwe , Wolf Eva , Faetkenheuer Gerd , Stellbrink Hans‐Juergen , van Lunzen Jan , Jaeger Hans , Stoehr Albrecht , Plettenberg Andreas , Wasmuth Jan‐Christian , Rockstroh Juergen , Mosthaf Franz , Horst Heinz‐August , Brodt Hans‐Reinhard 
Published: April 2004

SummaryHodgkin's disease (HD) is the most common non‐acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐defining malignancy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients. We analysed the outcome of patients with HIV‐associated HD (HIV‐HD) with respect to the use and efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and other prognostic factors. To evaluate the effects of several variables on overall survival (OS), Kaplan–Meier statistics and extended Cox regression analysis were performed. Response to HAART was used as a time‐dependent variable and was defined as an increase of >0·1 × 109 CD4 cells/l and/or at least one viral load <500 copies/ml during the first 2 years following diagnosis of HIV‐HD. Fifty‐seven patients with HIV‐HD diagnosed between 1990 and 2002 were included in the study. In the Cox model, the only factors independently associated with OS were HAART response [relative hazard (RH) 0·19; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·06–0·60], complete remission (RH 0·30, 95% CI 0·13–0·72), and age 45 years (RH 0·23; 95% CI 0·09–0·60). Median survival time in patients without HAART response was 18·6 months, whereas the median survival time in patients with HAART response was not reached (89% OS at 24 months). In this cohort, a significant improvement in survival was found in patients with HIV‐HD who responded to HAART.
Changes in haemoglobin during interferon alpha‐2b plus ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Sulkowski M. S. , Wasserman R. , Brooks L. , Ball L. , Gish R. 
Published: April 2004

Summary.Interferon alpha and ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy is associated with decreases in haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and anaemia. The aim of this analysis was to better characterize the magnitude and frequency of Hb changes and risk factors. This retrospective analysis evaluated treatment‐related changes in Hb in 677 patients who participated in either of two interferon alpha‐2b plus RBV studies for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Study 1 included 192 interferon alpha‐naïve patients randomized to receive RBV 1000–1200 mg/day plus interferon alpha‐2b 3 million IU daily or three times weekly for 48 weeks. Study 2 included 485 interferon alpha‐experienced patients randomized to receive RBV 1000‐1200 mg daily plus interferon alpha‐2b 3 million IU daily or three times weekly for 4 weeks, followed by three times weekly dosing for 44 weeks. More than 50% of all patients experienced a decrease in Hb ≥30 g/L. Women were 4.4 times as likely as men to experience a Hb level of <100 g/L; however, men were at a 40% higher risk to experience a Hb decline of >30 g/L from baseline. Daily use of interferon alpha‐2b did not impact the magnitude of Hb decrease. In this pooled analysis, RBV dose reduction resulted in increases in Hb concentration of approximately 10 g/L. Lower baseline creatinine clearance, higher baseline Hb levels and increased age were independently associated with increased risk of Hb decreases of >27.7%. Lower baseline weight was not associated with increased risk of Hb decrease. Substantial Hb decreases occur frequently with interferon alpha/RBV combination therapy. Sex, the magnitude of the Hb decline and renal function are potentially important factors to consider in patients receiving RBV. Further research is needed to determine the impact on virological response and to develop strategies to manage the medical consequences.
Role of oxidative stress and the antioxidant network in cutaneous carcinogenesis
Authors: Sander Christina S. , Chang Hong , Hamm Florian , Elsner Peter , Thiele Jens J. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractMelanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers are among the most prevalent cancers in the human population. Solar ultraviolet radiation is considered a major etiological factor but the relationship between dose, timing, and nature of exposure to tumor development is still unclear. Free radicals are generated by normal physiologic processes, including aerobic metabolism and inflammatory response, but may inflict cellular damage when generation is increased and antioxidant defense mechanisms are overwhelmed. Important findings supporting the free radical hypothesis in skin carcinogenesis are: (1) Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in UVA‐ and UVB‐irradiated skin in excessive doses, (2) the natural cutaneous antioxidant defense is impaired upon UV‐exposure, (3) free radicals are involved in all steps of carcinogenesis, (4) supplementation with antioxidants can inhibit skin carcinogenesis, and (5) conditions that increase ROS generation enhance photocarcinogenesis. These findings provide a promising rationale for the development of powerful new antioxidant strategies in the prevention and therapy of skin cancer.
Agreement between prostate cancer patients and their clinicians about utilities and attribute importance
Authors: Elstein Arthur S. , Chapman Gretchen B. , Chmiel Joan S. , Knight Sara J. , Chan Cheeling , Nadler Robert B. , Kuzel Timothy M. , Siston Amy K. , Bennett Charles L. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurpose  To examine the agreement between prostate cancer patients’ utilities for selected health states and their rankings of the importance of six attributes of the health states and the clinicians’ judgements of what would be in the patients’ best interests.Method  Patients with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer individually completed a time trade‐off utility assessment shortly after being diagnosed. The health states evaluated were constructed from a multi‐attribute utility model that incorporated six aspects of living with the disease and outcomes of treatment. Each patient assessed his current health state and three hypothetical states that might occur in the future, and provided rankings of the importance of the six attributes. The clinicians caring for each patient independently provided their views of what utilities and importance rankings would be in the patient's best interest.Results  The across‐participant correlations between patients’ and clinicians’ utilities were very low and not statistically significant. Across‐participant correlations between patient and clinician importance rankings for the six attributes were also low. Across‐health state and across‐attribute correlations between utilities or importance rankings were highly variable across patient–clinician pairs.Conclusion  In the clinical settings studied, there is not a strong relationship between valuations of current and possible future health states by patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and their clinicians. Implications of these results for substituted judgement, when clinicians advise their patients or recommend a treatment strategy, are discussed.
The feasibility of neuropsychological endophenotypes in the search for genes associated with bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Glahn David C , Bearden Carrie E , Niendam Tara A , Escamilla Michael A 
Published: April 2004

Objective:  Efforts to identify genetic loci for bipolar disorder (BPD) have thus far proved elusive. The identification of processes mediating between genotype and phenotype (endophenotypes) may help resolve the carrier status of family members in genetic studies of polygenetic disorders with imperfect penetrance, such as BPD. We reviewed the literature to determine if neuropsychological measures could be used as effective endophenotypes to aid molecular genetic studies searching for genes predisposing to BPD.Methods:  Four prerequisites for endophenotypic markers are described, and a critical review of relevant literature was undertaken to determine if neurocognitive measures satisfy these four requirements in BPD.Results:  We found evidence that executive functions and declarative memory may be candidate neurocognitive endophenotypes for BPD. However, we cannot exclude other areas of cognition as being affected by BPD susceptibility genes, given the limits of the current knowledge of the neuropsychology of BPD. In particular, the paucity of studies measuring cognition in healthy relatives of BPD patient limits conclusion regarding familial aggregation of particular neurocognitive deficits (i.e. attention). Furthermore, the effects of clinical state and/or medication usage on cognitive functioning in BPD probands should be further explored.Conclusions:  Molecular genetic studies of BPD may benefit from the application of select neuropsychological measures as endophenotypic markers. The use of these markers, once defined, may improve power for detecting genes predisposing to BPD and may help to better define diagnostic criteria.
Unions and Workplace Closure in Britain, 1990–1998
Authors: Bryson Alex 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis paper assesses union effects on workplace closure in the private sector in Britain between 1990 and 1998 using panel data from the 1990–98 Workplace Employee Relations Survey. On average, unions raised the chances of workplace closure in Britain in the 1990s, in contrast to the 1980s. However, the size and statistical significance of union effects differ across dimensions of unionization and type of workplace. Furthermore, the results are sensitive to the definition of workplace closure.
The New Generation of Trade Union Leaders and Prospects for Union Revitalization
Authors: Charlwood Andy 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe year 2003 was widely perceived as the year of the ‘awkward squad’— a group of recently elected union leaders more prepared than their predecessors to challenge New Labour. It was also a year in which unions were perceived to have experienced the beginnings of a recovery. In this review I argue that both of these perceptions are misplaced. The new generation of union leaders are a more disparate bunch than the ‘awkward squad’ label implies. The unions they lead remain seriously weakened by a harsh and inhospitable environment. Union recovery is unlikely unless the environment changes or the new union leaders can succeed against the odds in changing the environment through political activity.
Total Hip Arthroplasty in Nine Canine Hind Limb Amputees: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Preston Chris A. , Schulz Kurt S. , Vasseur Philip B. 
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveTo determine the outcome of total hip arthroplasty in canine hindlimb amputees.Study DesignRetrospective evaluation of clinical cases.MethodsData recorded from the medical records of nine dogs included patient signalment, indication for amputation and total hip arthroplasty (THA), interval between amputation and THA, and surgical complications. Radiographs were used to assess implant orientation and evidence of complications. Functional outcome was assessed using direct patient evaluation by one of the authors or primary surgeons, or through telephone interview between the primary author and the owner.ResultsSeven dogs ultimately had a good or excellent clinical results. Complications occurred in five dogs. Four dogs luxated the prosthetic joint without an obvious traumatic event within 9 weeks of the initial surgery. Revision surgeries resulted in successful coxofemoral reduction in three of four dogs. There were no clinical or radiographic findings suggestive of implant loosening or infection.ConclusionTHA can be a successful salvage procedure in the canine hindlimb amputee with disabling, non‐neoplastic, noninfectious coxofemoral disease. The risk of luxation in the early postoperative period is high and revision surgery is required for stabilization.Clinical RelevanceTHA is a successful procedure in the canine hindlimb amputee, however the incidence of complications is high.
Thoracoscopic Versus Open Partial Pericardectomy in Dogs: Comparison of Postoperative Pain and Morbidity
Authors: Walsh Peter J. , Remedios Audrey M. , Ferguson James F. , Walker David D. , Cantwell Shawna , Duke Tanya 
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveTo evaluate postoperative pain and morbidity in dogs undergoing open thoracotomy and partial pericardectomy versus thoracoscopic pericardectomy.Study DesignResearch study in normal dogs.Animals or Sample PopulationFourteen mixed breed healthy dogs.MethodsSeven dogs had a partial pericardectomy through a standard left lateral thoracotomy at the fifth intercostal space. The remaining seven dogs underwent selective lung ventilation and thoracoscopic partial pericardectomy. Surgery sites in both groups were bandaged and each dog received a single postoperative dose of morphine (0.2 mg/kg, intramuscularly [IM]). Postoperative pain was evaluated using a standard pain score table at 1, 5, 9, 17, 29, and 53 hours after surgery. Dogs receiving a pain score of six or greater received an additional dose of morphine. At each observation point, blood samples were taken to measure blood glucose and plasma cortisol concentrations. Pain scores, blood glucose, and plasma cortisol concentrations were compared between the two groups using two‐way ANOVA.ResultsBlood glucose concentrations, plasma cortisol concentrations, and pain scores were significantly different between the two groups, with the thoracotomy dogs having higher values at 1, 5, and 9 hours postoperatively. Three of the open thoracotomy dogs required additional analgesia after the initial dose of morphine. In addition, two dogs that underwent open thoracotomy were lame in the left forelimb and two others developed dehiscence of their wounds.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThoracoscopic partial pericardectomy has several advantages over open partial pericardectomy including decreased postoperative pain, fewer wound complications, and more rapid return to function.