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Evidence that enhanced nasal reactivity to bradykinin in patients with symptomatic allergy is mediated by neural reflexes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether allergic inflammation induces nasal hyperreactivity to bradykinin by enhancing neuronal responsiveness. METHODS: We compared the response to localized, unilateral nasal challenge with bradykinin in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and nonallergic subjects, and in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis challenged in and out of season. Weights of secretions from each nostril were recorded, and levels of albumin and lactoferrin in secretions recovered from each nostril were assayed. Contralateral administration of atropine (0.32 mg) was used to evaluate the role of cholinergic reflexes in nasal hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin. RESULTS: In patients with symptomatic allergy, bradykinin induced greater symptom scores than in asymptomatic atopic or nonallergic control subjects. Moreover, bradykinin caused sneezing in a majority of patients with symptomatic allergy but in none of the asymptomatic atopic or nonallergic control subjects. Only patients with symptomatic allergy showed dose-dependent bilateral increases in secretion weights and levels of the serous glandular marker, lactoferrin. In contrast, bradykinin induced similar increases in ipsilateral, but not contralateral, levels of albumin in all patient populations. Atropine inhibited contralateral secretion and lactoferrin production (p < 0.05) in patients with symptomatic allergy. CONCLUSION: The induction of sneezing and of atropine-inhibitable contralateral glandular secretion demonstrates that allergic inflammation causes nasal hyperreactivity to bradykinin, at least in part, by enhancing neuronal responsiveness.

Adult↗

Interleukin 1-beta in symptomatic and asymptomatic human periradicular lesions.

Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) has been shown to be a potent mediator of bone resorption and has been implicated in resorption in periradicular lesions. In this study we compared the local concentrations of IL-1 beta in symptomatic and asymptomatic human periradicular lesions. Periradicular tissues from patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions were obtained and stored at -70 degrees C. Pulpal tissues from unerupted third molars and chronically inflamed gingival tissues were also obtained and used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Tissue samples were homogenized, and supernatants were assayed for IL-1 beta by the enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Significantly higher levels of IL-1 beta were found in symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions and inflamed gingival tissues compared with uninflamed pulp tissues. There was a trend toward higher levels of IL-1 beta in symptomatic lesions compared with asymptomatic lesions, but the difference was not significant. The results suggest that IL-1 beta may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of human periradicular lesions.

Analysis of Variance↗

Concentrations of leukotriene B4 in symptomatic and asymptomatic periapical lesions.

Twelve periapical lesions from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (six each) were obtained and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. Six pulps from unerupted third molars as well as chronically inflamed gingival tissues were also obtained, frozen, and used as negative and positive controls, respectively. The concentration of leukotriene (LT) B4 was determined by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography. Representative samples from each group were fixed in formalin, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Extremely low levels of LTB4 were detected in the uninflamed pulpal samples in comparison to those found in chronically inflamed gingival tissues and periradicular lesions. A significant statistical difference was noted between concentrations of LTB4 in periapical lesions of symptomatic patients and those found in asymptomatic patients and samples of chronically inflamed gingival tissues (p < 0.05). In addition, a positive correlation was found between the presence of symptoms, the concentration of LTB4, and presence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in symptomatic periapical lesions. The results show presence of high concentrations of LTB4 in symptomatic human periapical lesions.

Analysis of Variance↗

Analysis of pooled data from the randomised controlled trials of endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Endarterectomy reduces risk of stroke in certain patients with recently symptomatic internal carotid stenosis. However, investigators have made different recommendations about the degree of stenosis above which surgery is effective, partly because of differences between trials in the methods of measurement of stenosis. To accurately assess the overall effect of surgery, and to increase power for secondary analyses, we pooled trial data and reassessed carotid angiograms. METHODS: We pooled data from the European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST), North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial, and Veterans Affairs trial 309 from the original electronic data files. Outcome events were re-defined, if necessary, to achieve comparability. Pre-randomisation carotid angiograms from ECST were re-measured by the method used in the other two trials. RESULTS: Risks of main outcomes in both treatment groups and effects of surgery did not differ between trials. Data for 6092 patients, with 35000 patient-years of follow-up, were therefore pooled. Surgery increased the 5-year risk of ipsilateral ischaemic stroke in patients with less than 30% stenosis (n=1746, absolute risk reduction -2.2%, p=0.05), had no effect in patients with 30-49% stenosis (1429, 3.2%, p=0.6), was of marginal benefit in those with 50-69% stenosis (1549, 4.6%, p=0.04), and was highly beneficial in those with 70% stenosis or greater without near-occlusion (1095, 16.0%, p<0.001). There was a trend towards benefit from surgery in patients with near-occlusion at 2 years' follow-up (262, 5.6%, p=0.19), but no benefit at 5 years (-1.7%, p=0.9). INTERPRETATION: Re-analysis of the trials with the same measurements and definitions yielded highly consistent results. Surgery is of some benefit for patients with 50-69% symptomatic stenosis, and highly beneficial for those with 70% symptomatic stenosis or greater but without near-occlusion. Benefit in patients with carotid near-occlusion is marginal in the short-term and uncertain in the long-term.

Aged↗

A comparative study of bronchodilator reversibility with albuterol, between asthma symptomatic and asymptomatic children according to ISAAC questionnaire in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is an important childhood disease. Recent surveys of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) suggest that the prevalence of asthma is increasing but these surveys do not include any pulmonary tests to confirm the possible diagnosis of asthma. OBJECTIVE: To compare bronchodilator reversibility with the albuterol test in symptomatic and asymptomatic 6-7-year-old children with asthma participating in the ISAAC survey and living in Mexico City. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed an observational, descriptive, comparative, cross sectional study in children participating in phase 3b of the ISAAC study. According to the ISAAC questionnaire children were classified as asthma symptomatic or asymptomatic. Both groups had bronchodilator reversibility with the albuterol test, using the guidelines of the American Thoracic Society to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of asthma. RESULTS: The asymptomatic group had a baseline FEV1 of 1.70 +/- 0.34 l/sec (mean +/- SD) and an endpoint FEV1 of 1.76 +/- 0.42 l/sec; in the symptomatic group the respective values were 1.51 +/- 0.41 l/sec and 1.57 +/- 0.44 l/sec (p < 0.05). A positive reversibility test was found in 13/136 (9.6 %) children in the asymptomatic group and in 22/112 (19.6 %) children in the symptomatic group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Because of its low sensitivity, bronchodilator reversibility cannot be considered a diagnostic tool to confirm diagnosis of asthma.

Albuterol↗

Symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia: impact on partners' quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: Symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), besides affecting patients' quality of life through lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and related acute events, may affect their partners' quality of life as well. The present study was focused on exploring partner morbidity in cases of symptomatic BPH patients being evaluated for surgical treatment. METHODS: The study group was comprised of 50 couples where male partners suffered from symptomatic BPH and was referred for further evaluation and, possibly, surgical treatment. Male subjects were asked to fill out the IPSS form, while the female partners were, separately, asked to fill out another structured questionnaire about 7 items (sleep disturbance, social disruption, performance of essential tasks, psychological impact, sex life, fear of cancer, fear of surgery). Data were analyzed in relation to the severity of symptoms (IPSS), patient's and partner's age, couple's age difference, marriage duration, mode and place of living. RESULTS: Partners' morbidity due to their husband's condition was comprised of sleep disturbance (28%); disruption of social life (30%) positively related to IPSS and negatively to the symptom duration; inability to take care of essential tasks outside and inside their house (8%); psychological burden (66%) positively related to the wife's age, the couple's age difference and the marriage duration; inadequate sex life (48%); fear of prostate cancer (62%); and fear of surgery (82%). CONCLUSIONS: Partners of patients with symptomatic BPH experience significant morbidity because of their husband's condition. The severity of patients' symptoms, however, is not always related to partners' morbidity. Partners should be adequately informed of the benign nature of the disease, as well as, the possible operating risks.

Adult↗

Early response of lung in breast cancer irradiation: radiologic density changes measured by CT and symptomatic radiation pneumonitis.

PURPOSE: To quantify radiologic changes in the lung with CT after radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer (BC) and to study their association with treatment techniques and symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (RP). METHODS AND MATERIALS: CT scans of the lungs were performed before and 4 months after RT in 121 BC patients treated with four different RT techniques. The changes in mean density (MDCs) were analyzed at two lung levels (i.e., the central and apical CT slice). The central CT slice was also analyzed with respect to the MDCs in the anterior third and anterior half of the ipsilateral lung area. In mastectomized patients who received chest wall RT with an en-face electron beam, the maximal depths for a range of isodose curves were measured. The occurrence of mild/moderate symptomatic RP was assessed prospectively 1, 4, and 7 months after RT. Data on covariates with potential confounding effect on RT-induced lung toxicity were also collected prospectively. RESULTS: In the entire study population, an association between the MDCs in the anterior third of the central CT slice and treatment technique (p <0.001) and symptomatic RP (p <0.001) was found. Among patients with chest wall treatment consisting of an en-face electron beam, the MDCs of the anterior third of the central CT slice correlated with the 35% isodose curve (16-30 Gy) (p = 0.046) and age (p <0.001). No association between post-RT lung density changes and pre-RT chemotherapy, concurrent tamoxifen intake, or smoking habits was found. Among patients treated with locoregional RT, an association was found between the MDCs in the anterior third of the central CT slice and the incidence of RP. MDCs in the apical CT slice, however, were not associated with RP. CONCLUSION: The results imply that short-term post-RT lung density changes and symptomatic RP were associated with RT techniques, total doses as low as 16-30 Gy, and increasing age. Structural changes in the central part of lung appeared to be more important for the development of RP than changes in the apex.

Age Factors↗

Development of a model to predict permanent symptomatic postradiosurgery injury for arteriovenous malformation patients. Arteriovenous Malformation Radiosurgery Study Group.

PURPOSE: To better predict permanent complications from arteriovenous malformation (AVM) radiosurgery. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Data from 85 AVM patients who developed symptomatic complications following gamma knife radiosurgery and 337 control patients with no complications were evaluated as part of a multi-institutional study. Of the 85 patients with complications, 38 patients were classified as having permanent symptomatic sequelae (necrosis). AVM marginal doses varied from 10-35 Gy and treatment volumes from 0.26-47.9 cc. Median follow-up for patients without complications was 45 months (range: 24-92). RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of the effects of AVM location and the volume of tissue receiving 12 Gy or more (12-Gy-Volume) allowed construction of a significant postradiosurgery injury expression (SPIE) score. AVM locations in order of increasing risk and SPIE score (from 0-10) were: frontal, temporal, intraventricular, parietal, cerebellar, corpus callosum, occipital, medulla, thalamus, basal ganglia, and pons/midbrain. The final statistical model predicts risks of permanent symptomatic sequelae from SPIE scores and 12-Gy-Volumes. Prior hemorrhage, marginal dose, and Marginal-12-Gy-Volume (target volume excluded) did not significantly improve the risk-prediction model for permanent sequelae (p >/= 0.39). CONCLUSION: The risks of developing permanent symptomatic sequelae from AVM radiosurgery vary dramatically with location and, to a lesser extent, volume. These risks can be predicted according to the SPIE location-risk score and the 12-Gy-Volume.

Case-Control Studies↗

Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in symptomatic and asymptomatic populations with urogenital specimens by AMP CT (Gen-probe incorporated) compared to others commercially available amplification assays.

The present study was designed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of AMP CT (Gen-Probe Incorporated, San Diego, CA, USA) on urogenital specimens taken from symptomatic patients and on first void urine (FVU) specimens from asymptomatic patients. In symptomatic patients, 618 specimens from 140 men (140 urethral swabs and 140 FVU) and 202 women (202 endocervical swabs and 136 FVU) were tested by using cell culture, AMP CT and Amplicor Chlamydia trachomatis MWP (microwell plate) (Roche Diagnostics, Somerville, NJ, USA) on genital samples, and AMP CT and Amplicor on FVU. A clinical specimen was considered to be truly positive if either the cell culture was positive and/or both AMP CT and Amplicor were positive. In the asymptomatic population, a total of 300 FVU (136 women and 164 men) were tested by four amplification methods, AMP CT, LCx (Abbott, Abbott Park, IL, USA), Amplicor MWP, and Cobas Amplicor. A subject was considered to be infected when two or more amplification methods were positive. In the symptomatic population (prevalence 13%), concordant results were observed in 320/342 cases (93.5%). After analysis of discordant results, the sensitivity of AMP CT, Amplicor, and culture was 100%, 95.5%, 68.8%, respectively, and the specificity was 98.3%, 99.3%, 100% respectively. The number of false negative results by AMP CT in urine, probably due to labile inhibitors, was 3/276 (1%). In the asymptomatic population, the results were concordant in 298/300 (99.3%), seven positive and 291 negative. Two results were considered false positives, one by Cobas Amplicor, one by AMP CT. Compared to other amplification methods, AMP CT is at least as sensitive for the identification of chlamydial infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic men and women on genital or urine specimens.

Adult↗

Comparison of North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial and population-based outcomes for carotid endarterectomy.

PURPOSE: The North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) advocated the use of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), nondisabling strokes, and ipsilateral high-grade stenosis in highly selected patients. Whether similar results are achieved when CEA is applied to an entire geographically defined population is unknown but important if the NASCET recommendations are to be applied broadly to all community patients. METHODS: To determine the survival rate to ipsilateral stroke after CEA for all symptomatic patients in a defined population, we reviewed the medical records of all patients residing in Olmsted County, Minn. (approximately 100,000), who underwent a CEA for TIA or nondisabling stroke between 1970 and 1995. Their outcomes were compared with the NASCET results. RESULTS: In the community of Olmsted County, 297 patients (108 women and 189 men) underwent 322 CEAs during the study period. TIAs or nondisabling stroke was the indication in 254 patients (86%), whereas the remaining 14% had asymptomatic stenosis. After CEA for symptomatic lesions, survival rate free of ipsilateral stroke was 97% at 2 years, 93% at 5 years, and 92% at 10 years. These results are similar to the NASCET survival rates free of ipsilateral stroke at 2 years (91%). However, the 30-day postoperative stroke rate for patients older than 80 years was significantly higher than that for patients younger than 80 years. CONCLUSIONS: When the NASCET results are compared with a population-based experience in which all symptomatic patients undergoing CEA were analyzed, the early outcomes were similar. Our population-based data also document the remarkably durable long-term results of CEA in preventing stroke and present another benchmark for carotid stent angioplasty.

Age Factors↗

Refining the indications for carotid endarterectomy in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to summarize the existing literature on the efficacy of carotid endarterectomy in patients with ipsilateral symptomatic carotid stenosis. METHODS: Database searching, relevance assessment, methodologic quality assessments, and data extraction were all performed in duplicate with prespecified criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-three publications were identified from the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial, the European Carotid Surgery Trial, and the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program. Stenosis was reported as measured in the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial. In patients with >70% stenosis, carotid endarterectomy was associated with a pooled relative risk reduction of 48% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27% to 73%) and an absolute risk reduction of 6.7% (95% CI, 3.2% to 10%) for the outcome of death or major disability from stroke. This translates into a number needed to treat of 15 (95% CI, 10 to 31). For patients with 50% to 69% stenosis, the benefit of surgery was less and the confidence intervals were wider. A relative risk reduction of 27% (95% CI, 5% to 44%), an absolute risk reduction of 4.7% (95% CI, 0.8% to 8.7%), and a number needed to treat of 21 (95% CI, 11 to 125) were observed in this group. The patients with the lowest degrees of stenosis (<50%) were harmed by the intervention (number needed to harm, 45). Increasing degree of stenosis, increasing age, male sex, the presence of other medical risk factors, and the presence of hemispheric rather than retinal antecedent events were factors that increased the benefits from surgery. CONCLUSION: Carotid endarterectomy reduced death or major disability from stroke in patients with >50% symptomatic stenosis. To maximize the benefits of surgery, careful preoperative risk assessment and the maintenance of low rates of major perioperative complications are mandatory.

Aged↗

Prospective blinded study of the relationship between plasma homocysteine and progression of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.

PURPOSE: An elevated plasma homocysteine level is an established risk factor for atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and lower extremity occlusive disease (LED). An elevated plasma homocysteine level can be reduced by therapy with folate and vitamins B6 and B12. An accurate evaluation of the role of vitamin therapy requires knowledge of the influence of plasma homocysteine levels on the progression of CHD, CVD, and LED. METHODS: The Homocysteine and Progression of Atherosclerosis Study is a blinded prospective study of the influence of homocysteine and of other atherosclerotic risk factors on the progression of disease in patients with symptomatic CVD, LED, or both. This study is set in a university hospital vascular surgery clinic and the General Clinical Research Center. Consecutive patients with stable symptomatic CVD or LED underwent baseline clinical, laboratory, and vascular laboratory testing for homocysteine and other risk factors and were examined every 6 months. The primary endpoints were ankle brachial pressure index, duplex scan-determined carotid stenosis, and death. The secondary endpoints were the clinical progressions of CHD, LED, and CVD. The hypothesis that was tested was whether the progression of symptomatic CVD or LED was more frequent or more rapid in patients with elevated plasma homocysteine levels. plasma homocysteine levels. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up period of 37 months (range, 1 to 78 months) for deaths from all causes (>14 micromol/L; elevated, 18.6%; normal, 9.4%; P = .022), deaths from cardiovascular disease (elevated, 12.5%; normal, 6.3%; P = .05) and the clinical progression of CHD (highest 20% of homocysteine levels, 80%; lowest 20% of homocysteine levels, 39%; P = .007) were significantly more frequent or more rapid by life-table analysis when the homocysteine levels were elevated. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model showed a significant independent and increasing relationship between the plasma homocysteine levels and the time to death (relative risk for highest one third of homocysteine values, 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 2.56; P = 029; and relative risk for highest one fifth of homocysteine values, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.69 to 6.64; P = .0001). After an adjustment for age, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, and the vascular laboratory progression of CVD or LED, each 1.0 micromol/L increase in the plasma homocysteine levels resulted in a 3.6% increase (95% CI, 0.0% to 6.6%; P = .06) in the risk of death (all causes) at 3 years and a 5.6% increase (95% CI, 2.2% to 8.5%; P = .003) in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: We conclude that elevated plasma homocysteine levels are associated significantly with death, with death from cardiovascular disease, and with the progression of CHD in patients with symptomatic CVD or LED. These results strongly mandate clinical trials of homocysteine-lowering vitamin therapy in such patients.

Aged↗

Treatment of early symptomatic pulmonary embolism after total joint arthroplasty.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of intravenous heparin therapy or the use of Greenfield filters (Meditech, Watertown, MA) in the early postoperative period in patients who have documented symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Symptomatic pulmonary embolism in the first weeks was identified in 52 patients. Twenty-four patients were treated with Greenfield filter insertion and 28 patients with intravenous heparin therapy. One complication associated with insertion of the Greenfield filter-premature opening in the internal jugular vein-resulted in no adverse consequences. Three complications were associated with intravenous heparin therapy: one transient thrombocytopenia, one recurrent symptomatic pulmonary embolism, and one knee hematoma, which did not require surgical evacuation. It appears that Greenfield filter insertion is a viable option for treatment of symptomatic pulmonary embolism in the early postoperative period after total joint arthroplasty. In contrast to other published data, this study suggests that intravenous heparin therapy may also be a reasonable alternative, but is a treatment regimen that requires careful monitoring of platelets, wound complications, and bleeding parameters.

Adult↗

Treatment of symptomatic congenital hepatic cysts with single-session percutaneous drainage and ethanol sclerosis: technique and outcome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy as the sole treatment for symptomatic, nonneoplastic, congenital hepatic cysts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 59 symptomatic, congenital hepatic cysts in 25 patients were treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy. Eleven patients had a solitary cyst, and 14 patients had polycystic liver disease. Mean follow-up was 4 years. RESULTS: Fifty-seven (97%) of 59 sclerotherapy procedures were technically successful, and there were no recurrences. Eight cysts in six patients disappeared totally. The mean diameter of the remaining 49 cysts decreased from 9 cm to 3 cm. At the last follow-up visit, 14 patients were asymptomatic, four had milder epigastric pain than before the treatment, and seven with polycystic liver disease had recurrent symptoms due to growth of nontreated cysts. No major complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous aspiration with ethanol sclerotherapy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment method for symptomatic congenital cysts. It is the initial treatment of choice for all patients with symptomatic congenital hepatic cysts.

Cysts↗

Roux-en-Y limb motility after total or distal gastrectomy in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to compare Roux-en-Y limb motor patterns after total or distal gastrectomy, and to identify possible motor differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The usefulness of preoperative recording was also investigated. STUDY DESIGN: Sixteen patients were enrolled in the study, 10 patients after total gastrectomy (TG group) and 6 patients after distal gastrectomy (DG group). In 6 of 10 patients in the TG group, recordings were obtained before and after operation. Manometric recordings in the limb lasted 6 hours in all patients, 3 hours during fasting, and 3 hours after a 750-kcal meal. An intravenous injection of trimebutine (100-mg i.v.) was systematically administered at the end of each recording session. Motor results of the patients were compared with those obtained in the intact jejunum of 20 healthy controls. RESULTS: After operation, when patients were compared with controls, phase III (ie, regular activity of the migrating motor complex) was more frequent and more often incompletely propagated (5 of 16 patients versus 1 of 20 controls, unadjusted p < 0.05) and was significantly slower (p < 0.01 versus controls). Intravenous trimebutine induced phase III in 12 of 16 patients within a mean of 8.8 +/- 1 (SEM) minutes, longer than in controls (delay < 2 minutes). The fed pattern was shorter than in controls in both TG and DG groups, and the postprandial area under the curve during successive 30-minute periods was reduced in the DG group compared with controls (p < 0.01). In patients investigated before gastrectomy, motor parameters were not different from those of controls. Surgery resulted in an increased number of phase IIIs and a decreased migration velocity (p < 0.01) of phase III, a longer delay in response after trimebutine (p < 0.0001), and a reduced postprandial motor response (p < 0.01). After the operation, 4 of 10 patients in the TG group and 5 of 6 patients in the DG group were symptomatic. Symptomatic patients had slower and more often incompletely propagated (p < 0.01) phase III compared with asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Roux-en-Y limb reconstruction mainly disturbs phase III propagation and the motor response to a meal. Motor changes are more marked after DG than after TG. Disturbed phase III propagation is the main difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Successful induction of phase III with trimebutine after gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction indicates maintenance of encephalinergic mechanisms.

Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y↗

Failure to demonstrate Chlamydia pneumoniae in symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms by a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Chlamydia pneumoniae is present in symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). METHOD AND MATERIALS: After optimisation of DNA extraction procedures an inhibitor-controlled nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying fragments of the gene encoding the C. pneumoniae specific major outer membrane protein was performed on 124 wall-specimens from 20 patients with symptomatic AAA. RESULTS: None of the specimens contained C. pneumoniae-specific DNA. Minor inhibition of the PCR was noticed especially in media specimens. CONCLUSION: Using a sensitive and specific nested PCR, we were not able to detect C. pneumoniae in symptomatic AAA. The failure to detect C. pneumoniae in symptomatic AAA, combined with previously reported positive findings in atherosclerotic lesions, supports the hypothesis that AAA and atherosclerosis might be two different disease entities.

Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal↗

The effect of age and gender on the onset of symptomatic temporomandibular joint disk displacement.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that incidence of symptomatic temporomandibular joint disk displacement is evenly distributed over all ages and between genders and that there is no gender difference in pain perception. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of 248 consecutive patients with radiographically verified symptomatic temporomandibular joint disk displacement. The time of onset of the condition relative to age and gender was determined, as was pain level. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant peak in incidence of symptomatic temporomandibular joint disk displacement during adolescence for both genders. Teenage girls were found to run a risk of developing disk displacement that is three times greater than the risk for teenage boys, and girls were found to run a risk during puberty that is four times greater than their risk later in life. The age at onset of the condition did not differ between genders. Both female and male subjects reported the same degree of pain level. CONCLUSION: The results point to a teenage preponderance and a sexual dimorphism with respect to incidence of symptomatic temporomandibular joint disk displacement.

Adolescent↗

Present characteristics of symptomatic amebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica in the east-southeast area of Tokyo.

Admitted medical records, from January 1988 to December 1995, of 28 symptomatic amebic patients who lived in the east-southeast area of Tokyo were studied retrospectively, in order to find the present characteristics of symptomatic amebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica in this area. Categorized by disease, there were 14 cases of colitis, 9 cases of liver abscess, 4 cases of colitis with liver abscess, and 1 case of liver abscess with brain abscess. Patients consisted of 26 Japanese males, 0 Japanese females, 1 non-Japanese male and 1 non-Japanese female. The mean age of colitis patients and liver abscess patients was 55.4 years old and 41.3 years old, respectively. The presumed place of contraction was Japan in 64% of the patients. Forty-eight percent of male patients indicated that they engaged in homosexual or bisexual practices, and 36% of male patients who denied such sexual practices or did not answer the question had no history of marriage. Positive rate of serum titre for Treponema pallidum hemagglutination test (TPHA) and human immunodeficiency virus antibody was 42.9% and 0%, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of TPHA-positive patients indicated that they engaged in male homosexual or bisexual practices. Zymodeme patterns of E. histolytica isolated from 4 colitis patients were XIV in 1 case and II in 3 cases. Symptomatic amebiasis in the east-southeast area of Tokyo is a disease which predominantly afflicts males, especially those in their middle age, and most patients contract the disease in Japan. The high rates of patients who engaged in male homosexual or bisexual practices and the high rates of patients with positive TPHA suggest that amebiasis is likely to be sexually transmitted disease in homosexual and bisexual men in the east-southeast area of Tokyo, and zymodeme II may be the predominant type in symptomatic amebic colitis in this area.

Adult↗