Leicester Royal Infirmary

About: Leicester Royal Infirmary is a healthcare organization based out in Leicester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Carotid endarterectomy. The organization has 5300 authors who have published 6204 publications receiving 208464 citations.

Chemoprevention of Oesophageal Cancer and the AspECT Trial

Abstract: Oesophageal cancer is on the rise and often present in an advanced state. Advances in surgical techniques, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have not changed the prognosis of oesophageal cancer over the last 20 years. With the unravelling of molecular biology of carcino-genesis in the oesophagus, there is a need for a paradigm shift from cancer treatment to prevention. Barrett's oesophagus is the commonest pre-malignant condition for development of oesophageal adenocarcinomas and is eminently suitable for the study of chemoprevention strategies. Now in its third year, the AspECT trial is the biggest, multicentre, randomised controlled clinical trial looking at the long-term chemopre-vention effect of esomeprazole with or without aspirin. More than 85% of the participants tolerated the medications at the initial intended doses, and the drop-out rate has been 7%; the interim analysis is due in 2011.

Effects of Intravenous Anesthetic Agents on Glutamate Release: A Role for GABAA Receptor–Mediated Inhibition

Abstract: Background:Many anesthetic agents are known to enhance the α1β2γ2Sγ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) chloride current; however, they also depress excitatory neurotransmission. The authors evaluated two hypotheses: intravenous anesthetic agents inhibit glutamate release and any observed inhibition ma

Experimental study of large-volume microwave ablation in the liver.

Abstract: Background: Microwave coagulation therapy is useful in the destruction of small, irresectable liver tumours of primary and secondary origin. Unfortunately, the small lesion size produced by currently available equipment makes it difficult and time consuming completely to ablate lesions larger than 3 cm in diameter. A microwave system capable of producing large-volume ablations in very short periods of time has been developed. Using a large-animal model the ability of the equipment to produce large-volume lesions in a safe, predictable and dose-dependent manner was tested. Methods: Fourteen large white pigs were anaesthetized and underwent multiple microwave treatments. The animals were killed at different timepoints to investigate lesion size and evolution. Results: The microwave system was able to generate large-volume ablations of up to 6·5 cm in diameter in a controlled and dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: This novel microwave system allows the ablation of large volumes of liver tissue in a short period of time. The ability to produce lesions reproducibly and safely highlights the potential of this system in the future treatment of irresectable liver tumours. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd

Matrix metalloproteinases and atherosclerotic plaque instability.

Abstract: Background: There is growing interest in the role of matrix metalloproteinases in atherosclerosis. Excessive tissue remodelling and increased matrix metalloproteinase activity have been demonstrated during atherosclerotic plaque disruption, a frequent predeterminant of ischaemic cardiac events and stroke. These enzymes represent a potential target for therapeutic intervention to modify vascular pathology. Methods: The core of this review is derived from a Medline database literature search. Results: There is convincing evidence of increased matrix metalloproteinase activity during acute plaque disruption. Evidence for an imbalance promoting increased matrix degradation is less well documented. However, studies of matrix metalloproteinase inhibition in models of vascular disease suggest a potential therapeutic benefit. Conclusion: In vivo studies of matrix metalloproteinase inhibition are required to study the potential for reversal or deceleration of the excessive tissue remodelling that accompanies acute plaque disruption. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd