PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Extended”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources

Continuous or extended cycle vs. cyclic use of combined oral contraceptives for contraception.

BACKGROUND: The avoidance of menstruation through extended or continuous administration (greater than 28 days of active pills) of combination oral contraceptives (COCs) has gained legitimacy through its use in treating endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and menstruation-associated symptoms. Avoidance of menstruation through continuous use of COCs for reasons of personal preference may have additional advantages to women, including improved compliance, greater satisfaction, fewer menstrual symptoms, and less menstruation-related absenteeism from work or school. OBJECTIVES: To determine the differences between COCs dosed continuously (greater than 28 days of active pills) compared with traditional cyclic dosing (21 days of active pills and 7 days of placebo). Our hypothesis was that continuously administered COCs have equivalent efficacy and safety but improved bleeding profiles, amenorrhea rates, adherence, continuation, participant satisfaction, and menstrual symptoms compared with cyclic COCs. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched computerized databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, POPLINE, LILACS) for trials using continuous or extended COCs during the years 1966 to 2005. We also searched the references in review articles and publications identified for inclusion in the protocol. Investigators were contacted regarding additional references. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomized controlled trials in any language comparing continuous (greater than 28 days of active pills) versus traditional cyclic administration (21 days of active pills and 7 days of placebo) of COCs for contraception. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Titles and abstracts identified from the literature searches were assessed for potential inclusion. Data were extracted onto data collection forms and then entered into RevMan 4.2. Peto odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all outcomes for dichotomous outcomes. Weighted mean difference was calculated for continuous outcomes. The trials were critically appraised by examining the following factors: study design, blinding, randomization method, group allocation concealment, exclusions after randomization, loss to follow-up, and early discontinuation. Because the included trials did not have a standard treatment (type of pill and time length for continuous dosing), we could not aggregate data into meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria. Study findings were similar between 28-day and extended cycles in regard to contraceptive efficacy (i.e., pregnancy rates) and safety profiles. When compliance was reported, no difference between 28-day and extended cycles was found. Participants reported high satisfaction with both dosing regimens, but this was not an outcome universally studied. Overall discontinuation and discontinuation for bleeding problems were not uniformly higher in either group in most studies. The few studies that reported menstrual symptoms found that the extended cycle group fared better in terms of headaches, genital irritation, tiredness, bloating, and menstrual pain. Five out of the six studies found that bleeding patterns were either equivalent between groups or improved with continuous-dosing regimens. Endometrial lining assessments by ultrasound were done in a small number of participants but all endometrial stripe measurements were less than 5 mm. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from existing randomized control trials comparing COCs given continuously (greater than 28 days of active pills) to traditional monthly cyclic dosing (21 days of active pills and 7 days of placebo) is of good quality. However, the variations in type of pill and time length for continuous dosing make direct comparisons between regimens impossible. Future studies should choose a previously described type of pill and dosing regimen. More attention needs to be directed towards participant satisfaction and menstruation-associated symptoms.

Contraceptives, Oral, Combined↗

Randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of low-dose oral methotrexate in children with extended oligoarticular or systemic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can persist through adolescence and adulthood, resulting in significant disability. The use of low-dose oral methotrexate (MTX) for persistent polyarthritis has been shown to be effective by the USA/USSR collaborative study group. However, 2 of the most disabling subgroups of JIA, systemic and extended oligoarthritis, were underrepresented in that study. The present study was therefore conducted to investigate the efficacy of MTX in these 2 subgroups. METHODS: Patients under the age of 16 years who fulfilled the International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria for systemic or extended oligoarticular arthritis were eligible for this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Forty-five patients with systemic and 43 with extended oligoarticular arthritis were enrolled. The dosage of MTX or placebo was 15 mg/m2, which could be increased to 20 mg/m2 after 2 months. Core outcome variables were considered as primary measures, giving a final score of "improved" or "not improved." Secondary measures included scores of systemic features and biochemical laboratory measures. Assessment of function was not included since there were no validated functional measures at the start of this trial in 1991. RESULTS: In the extended oligoarticular arthritis group, MTX treatment produced significant improvement in 3 of 5 core variables (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, physician's global assessment of disease activity, and parent's global assessment of disease activity). By the primary improvement criteria, there was significant overall improvement during MTX treatment. In the systemic arthritis group, only 2 of 5 core variables were significantly improved (physician's and parent's global assessment of disease activity). Systemic features were not part of the core variables, but the systemic feature score was not significantly different between MTX and placebo treatment. There was no significant overall improvement in this group during MTX treatment. However, no significant interaction between disease subgroup and treatment effect was demonstrated. When the data from both disease subgroups were combined, there was significant clinical improvement during MTX treatment (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: MTX 15-20 mg/m2 given orally once a week was found to be an effective treatment for both extended oligoarticular and systemic JIA in this shortterm trial. Long-term efficacy needs to be addressed in future studies.

Adolescent↗

Intrinsic GABAergic neurons in the rat central extended amygdala.

The present study examined the distribution, morphology, and connections of gamma-aminobutyric acid-immunoreactive (GABA-IR) neurons in the three principal components of the central extended amygdala: the central amygdaloid nucleus, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and the sublenticular substantia innominata. In the central nucleus, large numbers of GABA-IR neurons were identified in the lateral, lateral capsular, and ventral subdivisions, though in the medial subdivision, GABA-IR neurons were only present at very caudal levels. Combined immunocytochemistry-Golgi impregnation revealed that GABA-IR neurons in the lateral central nucleus were medium-sized spiny neurons that were morphologically similar to GABAergic neurons in the striatum. Injections of horseradish peroxidase into the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis labeled a major proportion of the GABA-IR neurons in the central nucleus. In the bed nucleus, the majority of GABA-IR neurons were located in the anterolateral subdivision, ventral part of the posterolateral subdivision and the parastrial subdivision. GABA-IR neurons in the anterolateral bed nucleus were of the typical medium-sized spiny type. Injections of horseradish peroxidase into the central nucleus labeled a few GABA-IR neurons in the posterior part of the anterolateral bed nucleus. GABA-IR neurons were identified in the sublenticular substantia innominata and medial shell of the nucleus accumbens and contributed to the continuum of GABA-IR extending from the central nucleus to the bed nucleus. Injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the central nucleus, but not the BNST, labeled a few GABA-IR neurons in the substantia innominata. The data point to GABA-IR neurons being a characteristic feature of the central extended amygdala and that GABA-IR neurons participate in the long intrinsic connections linking the major components of this structure. Since lesions of the stria terminalis and basolateral amygdaloid nucleus failed to deplete GABA-IR terminals in the central nucleus, the role of GABA in local and short intrinsic connections in the central extended amygdala is discussed. Further, physiological findings implicating the intrinsic GABAergic system of the central extended amygdala in the tonic inhibition of brainstem efferents are reviewed.

Amygdala↗

Extended harmonic phase tracking of myocardial motion: improved coverage of myocardium and its effect on strain results.

PURPOSE: To extend the harmonic phase (HARP) tracking method in order to track the myocardial tissue that appears near the epicardial contour during systole and reappears near the endocardial contour during diastole, due to the longitudinal motion and conical shape of the heart. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mathematical model of myocardial deformation was used to quantify the accuracy of the extended HARP tracking and of the strain computation. For six healthy volunteers, the number of tracked points and the two-dimensional strain components were computed with the extended and with the original HARP tracking version. RESULTS: High accuracy was obtained for the circumferential strain (maximum error is 0.5% relative to analytical strain). The extended version tracked 22 +/- 7%, 51 +/- 19%, and 67 +/- 20% more points than the original version on the basal, mid, and apical slices, respectively (P < or = 0.001 for each slice), and yielded a decreased circumferential shortening (relative decrease: 2 +/- 4%, 9 +/- 4%, and 12 +/- 5% for the three slices; P < 0.005 for mid and apex), at end systole. These differences in circumferential strain were related to the more complete coverage of the myocardial wall with tracked points. CONCLUSION: The extended HARP tracking also provides strain values from myocardial regions that were not covered by the original HARP tracking.

Adult↗

Stability profiles of drug products extended beyond labeled expiration dates.

The American Medical Association has questioned whether expiration dating markedly underestimates the actual shelf life of drug products. Results from the shelf life extension program (SLEP) have been evaluated to provide extensive data to address this issue. The SLEP has been administered by the Food and Drug Administration for the United States Department of Defense (DOD) for 20 years. This program probably contains the most extensive source of pharmaceutical stability data extant. This report summarizes extended stability profiles for 122 different drug products (3,005 different lots). The drug products were categorized into five groups based on incidence of initial extension failures and termination failures (extended lot eventually failed upon re-testing). Based on testing and stability assessment, 88% of the lots were extended at least 1 year beyond their original expiration date for an average extension of 66 months, but the additional stability period was highly variable. The SLEP data supports the assertion that many drug products, if properly stored, can be extended past the expiration date. Due to the lot-to-lot variability, the stability and quality of extended drug products can only be assured by periodic testing and systematic evaluation of each lot.

Drug Stability↗

Extended Hansen solubility approach: naphthalene in individual solvents.

A multiple regression method using Hansen partial solubility parameters, delta D, delta p, and delta H, was used to reproduce the solubilities of naphthalene in pure polar and nonpolar solvents and to predict its solubility in untested solvents. The method, called the extended Hansen approach, was compared with the extended Hildebrand solubility approach and the universal-functional-group-activity-coefficient (UNIFAC) method. The Hildebrand regular solution theory was also used to calculate naphthalene solubility. Naphthalene, an aromatic molecule having no side chains or functional groups, is "well-behaved', i.e., its solubility in active solvents known to interact with drug molecules is fairly regular. Because of its simplicity, naphthalene is a suitable solute with which to initiate the difficult study of solubility phenomena. The three methods tested (Hildebrand regular solution theory was introduced only for comparison of solubilities in regular solution) yielded similar results, reproducing naphthalene solubilities within approximately 30% of literature values. In some cases, however, the error was considerably greater. The UNIFAC calculation is superior in that it requires only the solute's heat of fusion, the melting point, and a knowledge of chemical structures of solute and solvent. The extended Hansen and extended Hildebrand methods need experimental solubility data on which to carry out regression analysis. The extended Hansen approach was the method of second choice because of its adaptability to solutes and solvents from various classes. Sample calculations are included to illustrate methods of predicting solubilities in untested solvents at various temperatures. The UNIFAC method was successful in this regard.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Sirolimus-based immunosuppression for liver transplantation in the presence of extended criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma.

An increasing number of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are undergoing evaluation for listing for liver transplantation. Criteria for selection require ongoing review for suitability. A consecutive series of 40 patients with HCC within the standard Milan criteria (single tumors n = 19 < 5 cm, or up to 3 tumors < 3 cm) and beyond (Extended Criteria; single tumors n = 21 < 7.5 cm, multiple tumors < 5 cm) underwent liver transplant with a sirolimus-based immunosuppressive protocol designed to minimize exposure to calcineurin inhibitors and steroids. At 44.3 +/- 19.3 months (mean +/- standard deviation) follow-up, 1- and 4-year survivals (Kaplan-Meier) are 94.1 +/- 5.7% and 87.4 +/- 9.3%, in the Milan group, respectively, and 90.5 +/- 6.4% and 82.9 +/- 9.3% in the Extended Criteria group, respectively. Five patients died during follow-up, only 1 from recurrent HCC. Five tumor recurrences have occurred at median 17 (mean 22 +/- 17) months posttransplant, 1 in the Milan group and 4 in the Extended Criteria group. Median survival in the patients with recurrent tumor is 42 months (mean 45 +/- 25), and the median postrecurrence survival is 15.5 months (mean 23 +/- 16). The rate of patients who were alive and free of tumor at 1 and 4 years is 94.1 +/- 5.7% and 81.1 +/- 9.9%, respectively, in the Milan group and is 90.5 +/- 6.4% and 76.8 +/- 10.5%, respectively, in the Extended Criteria group. Five patients had sirolimus discontinued for toxicity, while 24 of 35 surviving patients have sirolimus monotherapy immunosuppression. In conclusion, the Milan criteria for liver transplantation in the presence of HCC can be carefully extended without compromising outcomes. This sirolimus based immunosuppression protocol appears to have beneficial effects on tumor recurrence and survival with an acceptable rate of rejection and toxicity.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Survival following extended field irradiation in carcinoma of cervix metastatic to para-aortic lymph nodes.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to determine survival after extended-field treatment of para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis. METHODS: Thirty-five patients were treated from 1975-1989 for PALN metastasis. The FIGO stages were IB 10, 2A 3, IIB 9, IIIA 1, IIIB 10, 4A 1, and unstaged 1. The diagnosis in 34 patients was by operative staging and in 1 by CT scan and fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Twelve patients had microscopic PALN metastasis (PALN1) and 23 had grossly enlarged lymph nodes (PALN2). Thirty-four patients had extended-field radiotherapy (RT) plus brachytherapy or pelvic boost. Kaplan-Meier estimates were computer calculated for the entire population. Late radiation morbidity was classified by RTOG/EORTC criteria. RESULTS: The 5-year overall survival rate was approximately 29%. Four patients (3 stage IB, 1 stage IIIA) survived without recurrence. All four had extended field RT. The 5-year survival rate was 41.7% for PALN1 cases and 26.1% for PALN2 cases. Three patients (8.6%) had Grade 4 morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: PALN metastasis in stage IB is curable in approximately 30% of cases. The management approach in this series in stage IB was as follows: If PALN metastasis was identified at exploration for radical hysterectomy, the procedure was aborted and extended-field RT administered. In stages IIB through IVA, operative staging or CT scanning with FNA biopsy of suspicious PALN was performed. If PALN metastasis was confirmed, extended-field RT was administered. A 35% 5-year survival rate was observed in the advanced group. The value of chemotherapy for PALN metastasis remains to be defined but results from clinical trials suggest that cisplatin-based chemotherapy may be beneficial.

Aorta↗

HLA-DQ RFLP variants of five HLA-DQw2-bearing major histocompatibility complex extended haplotypes.

We have analyzed genomic DNA in a large number of independent examples of five HLA-DQw2-bearing extended haplotypes for their associated subtypes by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using DRB, DQA, and DQB probes after Taq I and Pst I digestion and Southern blotting. In addition to three previously described HLA-DQw2 subtypes, DQw2a, DQw2b, and DQw2c, we observed a fourth subtype, HLA-DQw2d, characterized by 5.8 kilobase (kb) DRB/Taq I, 2.4, 2.3, and 1.8 kb DQB/Taq I, and 8.0 and 2.3 kb DQA/Pst I fragments. All 22 independent examples of the extended haplotype [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3] carried DQw2a and all 11 independent examples of [HLA-B18, F1C30, DR3] carried DQw2b. In addition, all independent examples (21 and 4, respectively) of two DR7-carrying extended haplotypes, [HLA-B44, FC31, DR7] and [HLA-Bw47, FC91,0,DR7], carried DQw2c and all independent examples of [HLA-Bw57, SC61, DR7] carried DQw2d. Our results show that the DNA in the DR/DQ region of extended haplotypes is relatively fixed and that different DQw2 subtypes characterize different DQw2-bearing extended haplotypes.

Blotting, Southern↗

Association of polymorphisms in the HLA-B region with extended haplotypes.

Genomic probes from the HLA-B region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) were used to study the association of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) with various MHC alleles, complotypes, and extended haplotypes. The two DNA probes, M20A and R5A, were derived from previously cloned cosmids and are located 38 and 110 kilobases (kb) centromeric to HLA-B, respectively. Five different RFLP variants occurring in five different haplotypic combinations were detected within a panel of 40 homozygous-typing cells and cells from 21 families using Bst EII. In two informative families with HLA-B/DR recombinations the inheritance of the RFLP variants was consistent with their mapping between HLA-B and complotypes. The R5A/M20A haplotypic pattern 6.5 kb/3.0 kb (A) had a normal Caucasian frequency of approximately 0.43 and was found in all independent examples of the extended haplotypes [HLA-B8,SC01,DR3], [HLA-B18,F1C30,DR3], [HLA-Bw62,SC33,DR4], [HLA-B44,SC30,DR4], and [HLA-Bw47,FC91,0,DR7]. The patterns 6.9 kb/3.0 kb (B), 6.5 kb/4.7 kb (C), 1.45 kb/3.0 kb (D), and 6.9 kb/4.7 kb (E) had normal Caucasian frequencies of approximately 0.23, 0.15, 0.15, and 0.04 and were found on all independent examples of [HLA-B38,SC21,DR4], [HLA-Bw57,SC61,DR7], [HLA-B7,SC31,DR2], and [HLA-B44,FC31,DR7], respectively. Individual complotypes or HLA-B alleles which were markers of extended haplotypes showed variable associations. For example, HLA-B7 and the complotype SC31 were associated with all R5A/M20A RFLP haplotypes except haplotype E, although [HLA-B7,SC31,DR7] was associated exclusively with haplotype D. HLA-B27, not known to be part of an extended haplotype, was surprisingly exclusively associated with the 6.5 kb/4.7 kb or C haplotypic pattern in all five instances tested. These findings support the concept of regional conservation of DNA on independent examples of extended haplotypes. The results also further characterize these haplotypes.

Alleles↗

Extended least squares nonlinear regression: a possible solution to the "choice of weights" problem in analysis of individual pharmacokinetic data.

It is often difficult to specify weights for weighted least squares nonlinear regression analysis of pharmacokinetic data. Improper choice of weights may lead to inaccurate and/or imprecise estimates of pharmacokinetic parameters. Extended least squares nonlinear regression provides a possible solution to this problem by allowing the incorporation of a general parametric variance model. Weighted least squares and extended least squares analyses of data from a simulated pharmacokinetic experiment were compared. Weighted least squares analysis of the simulated data, using commonly used weighting schemes, yielded estimates of pharmacokinetic parameters that were significantly biased, whereas extended least squares estimates were unbiased. Extended least squares estimates were often significantly more precise than were weighted least squares estimates. It is suggested that extended least squares regression should be further investigated for individual pharmacokinetic data analysis.

Computers↗

Long-term consumption of beef extended with soy protein by men, women and children: II. Effects on iron status.

The iron status of men, women and children consuming beef extended with soy protein was evaluated by measuring serum ferritin and clinical parameters of iron status during a six-month study. Fifty-two families (245 participants) were randomly assigned to consume, for 180 days, 1 of 7 beef products: all beef, beef extended with either soy isolate, soy concentrate or soy flour (20% reconstituted soy product, 80% beef), or beef extended with each of the three soy products fortified with 60 mg Fe and 25 mg Zn/100 g protein. The beef product was consumed by the subjects as their principal source of protein for 1 meal a day (children 1-18 yr) or 1-2 meals a day (11 per week; adult men and women). A control group consumed their usual self-selected diets. No evidence was found that consumption of beef extended with soy protein deleteriously affected the iron status of men, women or children. Consumption of beef extended with soy protein, at the levels used in this study, by military men and women and by school lunch participants would not appear to impose a risk in these population groups.

Adolescent↗

Epidemiology of extended spectrum beta-lactamases.

Beta-lactamases play a major part in resistance, as recently redemonstrated by the emergence of extended spectrum beta-lactamases. Since its discovery in FR Germany, SHV-2 has been reported from four continents and CTX-1 (TEM-3) was established in at least 26 French hospitals. More than 12 other enzymes have been individualized. The newest aspect of resistance was probably underestimated because most strains of enterobacteria (mainly Klebsiella pneumoniae) appeared susceptible to oxyimino-beta-lactams as suggested by MICs or diameters of inhibition zone sizes. The double-disk synergy test between amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and oxyimino-beta-lactams was useful to easily detect two susceptibility patterns (CTX, CAZ). Extended spectrum beta-lactamases isolated among nosocomial isolates of enterobacteria (urines, blood, wound, sputum cultures) mostly from intensive care units have spread through hospitals. If outbreaks were described, numerous serotypes were identified in Klebsiella pneumoniae. In France the distribution of extended spectrum beta-lactamases showed that CTX-1 (TEM-3) was well distributed among ten species unlike SHV-type enzymes (SHV-2, SHV-3, SHV-4) preferentially detected in Klebsiella pneumoniae. A majority of strains produced CAZ-type enzymes in Escherichia coli. Some isolates produced two extended spectrum beta-lactamases. In Tunisia extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing strains were mainly identified among pediatric isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella and Escherichia coli; SHV-2 was predominant but recently CTX-1 and two other types with an isoelectric point of 6.35 and 5.4 (phenotype CTX) were individualized. Because plasmid-encoded, this mechanism was spreading in France among enterobacteria with other resistance markers (e.g. netilmicin, amikacin) for CTX-1 unlike SHV-2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bacterial Infections↗

Survival and postoperative complications after extended surgery for non-small-cell lung cancer. A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated survival after extended surgery in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and the effects of induction therapy on results and complications. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between April 1987 and March 1998, 127 patients with pathological T3 (pT3) or T4 (pT4) non-small-cell lung cancer underwent extended surgery combined with resection of neighboring organs. Of these, 35 received induction therapy. In the remaining 92, surgery preceded other therapy. Long-term results and postoperative respiratory complications were analyzed and compared between the patients with and without induction therapy. RESULTS: Overall 5-year survival after extended surgery was 37%. Five-year survival rates in the pT3 was 41% and that in the pT4 group 28% (p = 0.030). Five-year survival rate in the pN0-1 was 46% and that in the pN2-3 group 26% (p = 0.003). No significant difference was observed in survival curves between patients with and without induction therapy. Induction therapy responders showed better survival than nonresponders. To prevent postoperative fatal complications due to bronchopleural fistula, we prophylactically covered the bronchial stump using autologous tissue in 31 induction therapy patients, and no mortality due to complications was seen in this group. CONCLUSION: Long-term survival after extended surgery was observed in pT3 and pT4 patients, especially among those with a pN0-1 status. Induction therapy responders may be considered good candidates for extended surgery because of the favorable prognosis in contrast to that for nonresponders.

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung↗

Orthotopic liver transplantation after extended bile duct resection as treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. First long-terms results.

Although the surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma represents the only potentially curative option, survival figures remain low over the long term. After hilar and partial hepatic resections for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, loco-regional tumor recurrence appears as the primary site of failure. From April 1992 to April 1996, 14 patients underwent extended bile duct resections. Extended bile duct resections combine total hepatectomy, partial pancreatoduodenectomy, and liver transplantation in an attempt to eradicate the entire biliary tract without dissecting the hepatoduodenal ligament. The postoperative 60-day mortality rate was 14% (n = 2). The rate of curative resections was 93% (13 of 14 extended bile duct resections). One- and 4-year survival rates after curative resections were 56% and 30%, respectively. The rate of curative resections increased by combining total hepatectomy, partial pancreatoduodenectomy, and liver transplantation, i.e., extended bile duct resection. However, survival figures have not improved accordingly. Therefore, this extended surgical procedure has to be implemented with caution and possibly not without modifications (e.g., multimodal treatment).

Adult↗

Effects of two preparations of 75-mg extended-release aspirin on platelet aggregation, prostanoids and nitric oxide production in humans.

OBJECTIVE: The lowest dose of aspirin shown to be effective in the secondary prevention of thrombotic accidents is 75 mg/day. Presystemic acetylation of cyclooxygenase and the formation of salicylic acid in the liver are fundamental to ensure optimum antithrombotic effects of aspirin. This study was designed to compare the effects of two forms of extended-release aspirin (at 75 mg/day) on prostanoid and nitric oxide synthesis in healthy volunteers. METHODS: The participants in this single-blind cross-over study (n = 6) were randomly assigned to receive one of three different formulations: plain-formulated aspirin (PF), extended-release aspirin that released acetylsalicylic acid steadily over 5 h (EX5) or an extended-release formulation that released 49% of the drug during the first 2 h after intake (EX2) and the rest of the dose during the subsequent 5 h. Laboratory analyses were done for platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 (in whole blood), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (in leucocytes), neutrophil nitric oxide production and plasma nitrite/ nitrate levels. RESULTS: The PF and EX2 formulations inhibited platelet aggregation by 97% with no significant difference in effect between the two. In contrast, maximum inhibition of aggregation by the EX5 formulation was only 30%. Similar effects were found for platelet thromboxane production: PF and EX2 led to 99% inhibition, whereas EX5 led to 76% inhibition (P < 0.05). The inhibition of prostacyclin production differed in all three treatments (63% for PF, 40% for EX2 and 24% for EX5). The increase in leucocyte nitric oxide production also differed in all three treatments (1.01-fold the basal value with PF, 1.4-fold with EX5 and 3.6-fold with EX2). Both extended-release formulations maintained high levels of nitric oxide production 24 h after the last dose, whereas in the PF period nitric oxide concentration had returned to basal values after this time. The changes in plasma nitrite concentrations in each period of treatment were similar to those seen for leucocyte nitric oxide. CONCLUSION: The pharmacodynamic profile of the extended-release formulations was better than that of plain-formulated aspirin in terms of thromboxane/prostacyclin balance and nitric oxide production. However, the EX2 formulation inhibited platelet function more effectively than did the EX5 formulation.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Effect of portocaval shunt on residual extreme small liver after extended hepatectomy in porcine.

BACKGROUND: When residual liver volume is extremely small after extended hepatectomy, postoperative hepatic failure may ensue. The cause of the hepatic failure is likely associated with the portal hypertension after hepatectomy. We investigated the effects of portocaval shunt on portal hypertension in producing sinusoidal microcirculatory injury after extended hepatectomy in pigs. METHODS: Fourteen pigs were divided into two groups: a group without a shunt, in which extended hepatectomy was carried out (i.e., residual volume was 17% of the whole liver), and a group with a shunt, in which extended hepatectomy was carried out and a portocaval shunt was inserted. The portocaval shunt was placed by side-to-side anastomosis between the portal vein and the inferior vena cava. RESULTS: In the group without a shunt, all pigs died of hepatic failure within postoperative day 3. In the group with a shunt, all pigs were alive for more than 4 days, and 4 pigs survived longer than 7 days. Portal vein pressure after hepatectomy was 15.9 +/- 3.8 mmHg in the group without a shunt and 10.5 +/- 0.6 mmHg in the group with a shunt (P < 0.01). The portal vein flow after 83% hepatectomy in the group without a shunt increased significantly more than at laparotomy and in the group with a shunt (P < 0.01). In the group without a shunt, remarkable destruction of the sinusoidal lining and edema of the portal triad and hydropic change of hepatocytes were observed 1 hour after hepatectomy, but these findings were not observed in the group with a shunt. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that, after extended hepatectomy, overload of portal flow is one of the most significant risk factors of hepatic failure by sinusoidal microcirculatory injury.

Animals↗

MR imaging of the flexed knee: comparison to the extended knee in delineation of meniscal lesions.

The aim of this study was to obtain MR images in the flexed-knee position and to compare the diagnostic value to the extended position in delineation of the menisci. With a mobile knee brace and a flexible surface coil, the knee joint was either fully extended or bent to a semi-flexed position (average 45 degrees of flexion) within a 1.5-T superconducting magnet. Sets of sagittal MR images were obtained for both the extended- and flexed-knee positions. Using the arthroscopic results as gold standards, 97 menisci were evaluated. Two observers interpreted each MR image of the extended and flexed positions independently without knowledge of the arthroscopic results. Flexed-knee MR images revealed 22 of the 27 arthroscopically proven torn menisci and 69 of the 70 intact menisci, for a sensitivity of 81.5%, a specificity of 98.6%, and an accuracy of 93.8%. Extended-knee MR images indicated a sensitivity of 81.5%, a specificity of 92.9%, and an accuracy of 89.7%. No statistically significant difference was found between the two positions. To enhance MR visualization of all the knee components, we recommend examining the knee in a flexed position within the magnet.

Adolescent↗