bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equine Cardiodilatin/ Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
Authors: Richter R. , Mägert H.-J. , Mifune H. , Schulz-Knappe P. , Forssmann W.-G.
Published: April 2003

Cardiodilatin (CDD)/atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a 28-amino acid peptide hormone known to be synthesized in the heart of a large number of different vertebrates. It plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and natriuresis/diuresis. Since the cardiovascular system of the horse has to meet the highest requirements concerning its physiological performance, we intended to characterize the cardiodilatin/atrial natriuretic peptide system of this species. By means of immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy, we precisely identified auricular cardiocytes as the loci of CDD/ANP synthesis. Using aortic smooth muscle relaxation assay and CDD/ANP-ELISA, we succeeded in isolating the biologically active prohormone. We subsequently cloned the equine cDNA of the CDD/ANP precursor protein and deduced its primary sequence. The entire precursor protein is in good agreement with the CDD/ANP prohormones of other mammals. The deduced theoretical average Mr of equine CDD/ANP-1-126 is 13,764, corresponding to the molecular weight of purified peptide determined by ESI-MS. Our findings suggest that equine CDD/ANP is produced in auricular cardiocytes and the predominant storage form of CDD/ANP in the auricle is the prohormone CDD/ANP-1-126.
Golgi and Electron-Microscopic Golgi-GABA Immunostaining Study of the Avian Optic Tectum
Authors: Tömböl T.
Published: April 2003

The neuronal structures and their possible connections in the optic tectum of chicks were studied by using Golgi impregnation, in light microscopy, and Golgi-GABA immunogold staining in electron microscopy. The terminals of the optic fibers displayed different patterns and orientation in various laminae of the avian optic tectum. The shape of the branching and the terminals of the optic fibers conformed to the postsynaptic neuronal structures. In Golgi preparations, the terminals in tectal layers 4 and 5 seemed to be located rather densely, and they contact, among other things, the ‘dendritic terminal sections’ of large ganglion cells of layer 13 of the tectum. This connection could be responsible for direct optic transmission via ganglion cells to the nucleus rotundus. Additionally, the contacts established by optic terminals in these layers with the tectal neurons arranged with their dendrites parallel to the surface of the tectum, could provide the structural basis for an inhibitory system. The terminals of isthmic nuclei were found in this optic lamina, too. The optic terminals in layer 7 contacted the dendritic side branches of some radial tectal neurons.
High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Developing Human Brain from the 10th to the 16th Week of Gestational Age
Authors: Sbarbati A. , Marzola P. , Simonati A. , Nicolato E. , Osculati F.
Published: April 2003

In the present work, high-field magnetic resonance imaging (HF-MRI) was applied to study the developing human brain paying particular attention to the structures of interest in pathology of malformation. The aim of the work was to evaluate the possible application of HF-MRI to the analysis of brain development in the absence of some limits of conventional histological technique. Seven formalin-fixed human fetuses of 50, 65, 70, 85, 110, 116 and 125 mm crown/ rump length (corresponding to a gestational age ranging from 10 to 16 weeks) were examined in an imager-spectrometer equipped with a 4.7-tesla horizontal magnet with a 33-cm bore. In the brain of all the fetuses the telencephalic, mesencephalic and rhombencephalic vesicles were recognizable and an easy quantitative evaluation of the brain curvatures in the absence of distortion due to dissection was possible. Comparing fetuses at different gestational ages, the spatial modification of the different vesicles was evident. In fetuses at 16 weeks of gestational age, stratified compartments of the telencephalic wall were evident. The germinal zone and the cortical plate were visible: the germinal layer was identifiable as a hypointensity in the periventricular area. The subplate zone and the intermediate zone emitted a strong intensity signal. Our study demonstrates that HF-MRI can contribute to the study of the complex developmental events in the human brain from the 10th to 16th week of gestational age in a submillimetric scale of resolution. This technique can provide information about the morphology of the encephalic vesicles and their relations with the bone cavity that cannot be obtained with conventional methods and may be a useful adjunct to histological techniques.
Detection of Inflammation- and Neoplasia-Associated Alterations in Human Large Intestine Using Plant/Invertebrate Lectins, Galectin-1 and Neoglycoproteins
Authors: Brinck U. , Korabiowska M. , Bosbach R. , Gabius H.-J.
Published: April 2003

Commonly, plant and invertebrate lectins are accepted glycohistochemical tools for the analysis of normal and altered structures of glycans in histology and pathology. Mammalian lectins and neoglycoproteins are recent additions to this panel for the detection of lectin-reactive carbohydrate epitopes and glycoligand-binding sites. The binding profiles of these three types of probes were comparatively analyzed in normal, inflamed and neoplastic large intestine. In normal colonic mucosa the intracellular distribution of glycoconjugates and carbohydrate ligand-binding sites in enterocytes reveals a differential binding of lectins with different specificity and of neoglycoproteins to the Golgi apparatus, the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and the apical cell surface. The accessible glycoligand-binding sites and the lectin-reactive carbohydrate epitopes detected by galectin-1 show the same pattern of intracellular location excluding the apical cell surface. Lectin-reactive carbohydrate epitopes detected by plant lectins of identical monosaccharide specificity as the endogenous lectin [Ricinus communis agglutinin-I (RCA-I), Viscum album agglutinin (VAA)], however, clearly differ with respect to their intracellular distribution. Maturation-associated differences and heterogeneity in glycohistochemical properties of epithelial cells and non-epithelial cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, lymphocytes) are found. Dissimilarities in the fine structural ligand recognition of lectins with nominal specificity to the same monosaccharide have been demonstrated for the galactoside-specific lectins RCA-I, VAA and galectin-1 as well as the N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-specific lectins Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), soybean agglutinin (SBA) and Helix pomatia agglutinin in normal mucosa and in acute appendicitis. Acute inflammation of the intestinal mucosa found in acute phlegmonous appendicitis is associated with selective changes of glycosylation of mucin in goblet cells mainly of lower and middle crypt segments resulting in an increase of DBA- and SBA-binding sites in the goblet cell population. Appendicitis causes no detectable alteration of neoglycoprotein binding. In contrast, tumorigenesis of colonic adenoma is characterized by increases in lectin-reactive galactose (Gal; Gal-β1, 3-GalNAc), fucose and N-acetylglucosamine moieties and by enhanced presentation of respective carbohydrate ligand-binding capacity. This work reveals that endogenous lectins and neoglycoproteins are valuable glycohistochemical tools supplementing the well-known analytic capacities of plant lectins in the fields of gastrointestinal anatomy and gastroenteropathology.
Glycoconjugate Expression and Cartilage Development of the Cranial Skeleton
Authors: Zschäbitz A.
Published: April 2003

Only few detailed investigations have focused on the glycobiology of cranial development. The functional elements in most inductive and morphogenetic processes are not individual cells, but rather collectives of interacting populations and extracellular matrix components that give rise to specific tissues and organs. Experimental evidence strongly suggests that sugar chains not only confer morphological characteristics. Complex carbohydrate molecules and their corresponding receptors are involved in recognition processes decoding biological information during cranial morphogenesis. The distribution patterns of glycoconjugates are highly dynamic and show a clear correlation with characteristic structural modifications. However, due to the intricate interactions in vivo the definitive physiological impact of these observations has to be established in further studies. In this review, the spatial and temporal patterns of lectin-reactive epitopes and selected receptor types are presented and discussed with regard to their potential importance to physiological craniogenesis.
Ultrastructure of the Retina in Adult Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
Authors: Goebel H.H. , Schochet S.S. , Jaynes M. , Gutmann L.
Published: April 2003

A 33-year-old woman died of biopsy-proven adult neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) or Kufs’ disease marked by fingerprint and curvilinear lipopigments in neural and nonneural cell types. She had never experienced visual impairment or shown electroretinographic abnormalities. At autopsy, her retina appeared intact without degeneration at the light-microscopic level, but nerve cells in different layers were loaded with lipopigments of the granular type. This appears to be the third ultrastructural study of the retina in a patient with adult NCL, a former one showing preservation of the retina, another retinal degeneration. Thus, only further molecular genetic data will clarify the nosology of adult NCL with and without retinal degeneration.
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin and Interleukin-6 Levels in Steady-State Sickle Cell Disease Patients
Authors: Makis Alexandros C. , Hatzimichael Eleftheria C. , Mavridis Anestis , Bourantas Konstantinos L.
Published: April 2003

Endothelial activation and subclinical microvascular occlusions are an ongoing process during steady-state sickle cell disease, leading to interleukin production and an acute-phase response. Alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M) is an acute-phase protein mainly regulated by interleukin-6 (IL-6). On the other hand, α2M acts as a carrier protein for IL-6 during inflammatory stress. The purpose of this study is to further assess the interactions between IL-6 and α2M as potent modulators of inflammatory reactions during the steady state of sickle cell disease. We measured α2M and IL-6 levels in 21 patients (12 male, 9 female; age range 12–44 years) in the steady state of sickle cell disease. Four patients had homozygous sickle cell anaemia and 17 had double heterozygous sickle cell/β-thalassaemia. Diagnostic quantification of α2M was performed by rate nephelometry. Commercial enzyme immunoassay test kits were used for the quantitative measurement of IL-6. The α2M and IL-6 levels were compared to the values obtained from healthy volunteers. Mean values (± SD) of α2M and IL-6 were found to be significantly increased (p < 0.0005) in the patients (α2M: 337.2 ± 104 mg/dl; IL-6: 4 ± 2.1 pg/ml) compared to the healthy controls (α2M: 204.2 ± 45.8 mg/dl; IL-6: 1.15 ± 2.5 pg/ml). IL-6 values were positively correlated with α2M levels (r = 0.61, p < 0.01). We observed increased α2M and IL-6 levels in steady-state sickle cell disease and a positive correlation between these two inflammatory mediators. We suggest that α2M is a potent modulator of the inflammatory reaction and tissue repair mechanism during steady-state microvascular occlusions. Elucidating the role of α2M in sickle cell disease could lead to the development of novel strategies and therapies for preventing the harmful systemic or local effects of excess cytokine production.
Mutational Analysis of Beta-Thalassemia Cases from the Aegean Region of Turkey Using an Allele-Specific Oligonucleotide Hybridization Technique
Authors: Güleşken S. , Ören H. , Vergin C. , Şanlı N. , Gülen H. , Uçar C. , İrken G.
Published: April 2003

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the point mutations of beta-thalassemia patients from the Aegean region of Turkey by using an allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization technique. DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples of 75 children with beta-thalassemia major or intermedia was analyzed using a Bio-Rad mDxTM-Be Tha Gene 1 kit. We determined mutations in 56 (74.6%) patients. The allelic frequency of mutations in 150 chromosomes was as follows: IVS-I-110 (G–A) 44.1%, IVS-I-1 (G–A) 28.2%, IVS-I-6 (T–C) 13.3%, IVS-II-745 (C–G) 9.3%, IVS-II-1 (G–A) 2.7%, Cd 39 (C–T) 2.4%, –87 (C–G) 0% and Cd 6 (–A) 0%. The distribution of the mutation types was consistent with the findings of other research groups.
Colchicine: An Effective Treatment for Refractory Malignant Pericardial Effusion
Authors: Ng T. , Gatt A. , Pagliuca A. , Mufti G.J.
Published: April 2003

We report a patient with AL amyloidosis and chemo-resistant light-chain multiple myeloma who developed a progressive malignant pericardial effusion leading to cardiac tamponade. Despite pericardiocentesis and surgical intervention, the pericardial effusion failed to resolve. The administration of oral colchicine produced symptomatic relief within 5 days, with the resolution of pericardial effusion after 14 days of treatment. As the administration of colchicine is simple and the side-effect is usually minimal, further studies are warranted to establish the feasibility of using colchicine to treat malignant pericardial effusion.
Increased Proportion of HLA-Class-I-Specific Natural Killer Cell Receptors (CD94) on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells after Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Tanaka Junji , Tutumi Yutaka , Zhang Li , Mori Akio , Kahata Kaoru , Toyoshima Nobuyasu , Ohta Shuichi , Kobayashi Sumiko , Hashino Satoshi , Asaka Masahiro , Imamura Masahiro
Published: April 2003

In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory natural killer cell receptor (NKR) expression of CD94/NKG2A on PBMC after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The proportion of CD94 expression on PBMC was higher in patients without chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and also in cGVHD patients with good response to conventional immunosuppressive therapy than in cGVHD patients with poor response. Also, the proportions of CD94+/CD3+ cells and CD94+/CD8+ cells were higher in cGVHD patients showing good response. In addition, the proportion of NKG2A-expressing cells was higher in patients without cGVHD than in patients with cGVHD. Therefore, chronic allostimulation after allo-BMT may augment the proportion of CD94/NKG2A-positive cells, and these cells may play some role in the regulation of alloresponse in some patients.
Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Is Increased in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Brandão Marcelo Mendes , Soares Elisabeth , Salles Tereza S.I. , Saad Sara T.O.
Published: April 2003

Significant activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been reported in tumour cells, including chronic lymphoid leukaemic cells. In this study, we analysed the expression of iNOS in 15 untreated patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and in 7 normal controls. Using flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, we demonstrated that patients with AML had a high expression of iNOS when compared to controls. There was no correlation between the expression of iNOS and the expression of p53 and K, H, and N-ras mutation and expression, suggesting that the high expression of iNOS is independent of these proteins and could be the result of transcription factors expressed in AML.
Angiogenesis in Chronic Myeloproliferative Diseases
Authors: Di Raimondo Francesco , Palumbo Giuseppe A. , Molica Stefano , Giustolisi Rosario
Published: April 2003

Increased angiogenic activity has been demonstrated in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and essential thrombocythemia (ET) by both bone marrow microvessel density evaluation and measurement of circulating angiogenic factors. MMM is probably the disease with the more pronounced angiogenesis among myeloproliferative disorders but the significance of this finding remains speculative since the angiogenic activity is not correlated with any of the clinical and laboratory features of the disease. Circulating serum levels of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were found increased in MMM, CML and ET but the frequent thrombocytosis that accompanies these diseases could limit the interpretation of these data since platelets and megakaryocytes may be considered a major source at least for VEGF. However, CML patients treated with interferon were found to have lower VEGF and HGF levels than untreated or hydroxyurea-treated patients, thus suggesting a possible antiangiogenic mechanism of this drug. In addition, preliminary experiences with the antiangiogenic drug thalidomide have shown therapeutic activity in some myeloproliferative disorders.
Sequential Transformation of t(8;13)-Related Disease
Authors: Roy Sukanya , Szer Jeff , Campbell Lynda J. , Juneja Surender
Published: April 2003

We report a case of an atypical myeloproliferative disorder with t(8;13) that presented as B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL). Following induction chemotherapy, the disease manifested as chronic myeloproliferative state, which responded to hydroxyurea. Terminally, the disease transformed into acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with additional chromosomal abnormalities including monosomy 7. To our knowledge, this is the first case of this rare atypical myeloproliferative disorder with t(8;13) that presented as B-ALL and terminally transformed to AML with additional chromosomal abnormalities.
Evaluation of Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Dialyzed Patients by Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Nakayama Hidetsugu , Akiyama Shinichiro , Shiotani Seiji , Gotoh Hiromichi , Inagaki Masahiro , Oguchi Katsuji
Published: April 2003

Background: The relationship between plasma SOD activity and remaining renal function in patients with renal insufficiency has been not elucidated. We attempted to investigate the degree of serum SOD activity among patients with various renal conditions. Methods: Using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, plasma SOD activities were evaluated in 28 patients who underwent HD before and after procedure and in 15 controls. The patients were classified according to the condition of renal function; group A (n = 15) included patients whose plasma creatinine clearance levels were less than 10 ml/min, and group B (n = 13) included those whose plasma creatinine clearance levels were 10 ml/min or more but less than 20 ml/min. Results: The plasma SOD activities of group A were significantly higher than those of group B (p < 0.005) and controls (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that in group A, the SOD activities in plasma before HD were significantly higher than those after HD (p < 0.001). However, in group B, there were no significant differences in the level of plasma SOD activities before and after HD. Conclusion: Production of superoxide anion is considered almost the similar in both groups, which suggests the SOD activity would depend on the degree of the remaining renal function of each patient.
Current Canadian Approaches to Dialysis for Acute Renal Failure in the ICU
Authors: Hyman Andrew , Mendelssohn David C.
Published: April 2003

Background: Although there is a very high mortality rate (>50%) with acute renal failure (ARF) in the intensive care unit (ICU), there is no general consensus on the best dialysis treatment for this condition. Methods: We surveyed by mail questionnaire, all adult academic and community registered Canadian nephrology centers that offer treatment for ARF. Results: The overall response rate was 59% (53/90). Comparing current dialysis methods with those utilized 5 years ago, the largest increase was in continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT) (26 vs. 9%). Both intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) and peritoneal dialysis decreased in utilization. The predominant current CRRT methods utilized venovenous access (80%), as compared to 5 years ago when arteriovenous was the most common (52%). Despite data from chronic dialysis (and preliminary data in ARF) suggesting reduced mortality and morbidity with increasing dialysis dose, there was no formal method of dialysis prescription monitoring in over 75% of the centers. Conclusion: Notwithstanding a lack of definitive evidence of superior outcomes with CRRT compared to older methods, the utilization of CRRT is dramatically increasing for the treatment of ARF in Canada. Whether this shift towards CRRT, and whether more attention to dialysis dose in ARF, might be expected to lead to better outcomes, requires further evaluation.
Testing the Tyrosine/Catecholamine Hypothesis of Oral Contraceptive-Induced Psychological Side-Effects: A Controlled Study on Triphasil®
Authors: Massé P.G. , Livingstone M.M. , Duguay C. , Beaulieu G.
Published: April 2003

Background: This study was conducted to probe the existence of oral contraceptive (OC)-induced psychological side effects that might be undetectable by psychometric testing. Methods: Triphasil® was administered during six complete menstrual cycles to young never-OC-users. Plasma Tyr and Trp/Σ-respective competitor neutral amino acids (NAA) ratio and concentrations of other amino acids (AA), known to be involved in the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, in particular, were used as biochemical markers to assess this likelihood. Factors known to influence plasma AA concentrations such as cortisol and pyridoxal phosphate (PLP, active form of vitamin B6), both modulators of AA intestinal absorption, were examined. Results: Dietary supply of amino acid substrates (precursors) and blood levels of coenzyme/cofactor (vitamin B6 and iron) involved were adequate in both groups and were kept constant throughout the treatment. The rise in plasma cortisol, known to be stimulated under the action of estrogen, was significant (p < 0.05) after the first menstrual cycle and remained higher (although not significantly) than mean baseline and reference normal values at the end of the 6-month OC treatment. Plasma Trp/Σ-specific competitor NAA ratio remained unchanged whereas Tyr/Σ-specific competitor NAA ratio was significantly (p < 0.02) reduced after the sixth artificial menstrual cycle. Conclusion: Although plasma AA biochemical markers cannot accurately assess CNS activity, they seem to be more sensitive than a comprehensive psychometric testing (MMPI) in assessing OC-induced psychological changes.
Antioxidative Power of Plant Oils in Humans: The Influence of α- and γ-Tocopherol
Authors: Tomasch R. , Wagner K.-H. , Elmadfa I.
Published: April 2003

Background: The daily diet is usually comprised of a varying antioxidant and fatty acid content acquired from plant oils. The present study was performed to evaluate the antioxidative effects of a plant oil mixture rich in α-tocopherol (olive/sunflower oil) in comparison with a single γ-tocopherol-rich corn oil used in a normal, balanced human diet. Methods: In the context of a double-blind study 28 healthy nonsmoking male volunteers aged between 19 and 31 years were investigated. After 2 weeks of adjustment on a mixed, balanced diet (average 11.6 MJ, average fat intake ∼105 g/day), a 2-week test period with a diet of 80 g corn oil (CO)/day vs. a mixture of 68 g olive and 12 g sunflower oil/day (MO; total 80 g) as the main fat source, was followed by a crossover after 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the study and at 2-week intervals. Results: The main carriers of tocopherol in blood are low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). A highly significant correlation (r2 = 0.73, p < 0.001) was found between plasma and LDL γ-tocopherol concentrations in the CO group, and a significant correlation was found between plasma and LDL α-tocopherol concentrations only in the MO group. Plasma and LDL total antioxidative capacity values could only be improved insignificantly in both groups to comparable extents, although the MO group had a twofold higher α-tocopherol equivalent/diene equivalent ratio (1.13 mg/g) than the CO group (0.55 mg/g). Conclusion: In spite of the higher P/S ratio (CO 4.2 vs. MO 1.2) and lower α-tocopherol equivalent/diene equivalent ratio, the antioxidant potential of CO in vivo (total antioxidative capacity in plasma and LDL) was as efficient as the MO. This positive finding might be explained by a synergism between α- and γ-tocopherol in the CO diet.
Weight Gain Does Not Preclude Increased Ubiquitin Conjugation in Skeletal Muscle: An Exploratory Study in Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Jatoi Aminah , Cleary Margot P. , Tee Cheow-Meng , Nguyen Phuong L.
Published: April 2003

Background and Hypothesis: At least 13 studies have shown that the ubiquitin-proteasome system mediates muscle wasting in weight-losing cancer subjects. We hypothesized that cancer itself may activate the ubiquitin-proteasome system, regardless of weight loss. Methods: We utilized hybrid mice obtained by crossing Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus-Transforming Growth Factor-α (TGF-α) mice with the Lepob strain. Five hybrid MMTV-TGF-α heterozygous Lep+Lepob female mice with mammary tumors were used; 4 nontransgenic heterozygous Lep+Lepobfemale mice served as controls. Ubiquitin conjugates were quantitated from hamstring and paraspinal muscles by Western blotting. Myocyte apoptosis was determined by a modified TUNEL assay. Results: All mice gained weight, even after tumor development. Higher concentrations of muscle ubiquitin conjugates were seen in the 5 tumor-bearing, TGF-α transgenic mice as compared with the 4 non-tumor-bearing mice: median (range) in arbitrary densitometric units: 0.67 (0.22–4.59) versus 0.18 (0.08–0.44) in hamstring muscle and 0.56 (0.23–20.15) versus 0.18 (0.08–0.25) in paraspinal muscle (p = 0.04 and p = 0.04, respectively; Mann-Whitney U test). Apoptosis was not seen in any muscle sample studied. Conclusions: Ubiquitin conjugates are increased in the skeletal muscle of tumor-bearing mice in the absence of weight loss. Such activation is not seen in the skeletal muscle on non-tumor-bearing mice. Further studies might focus of whether this observation is relevant to cancer-associated wasting of lean tissue.
A Case-Control Study of the Effect of Infant Feeding on Celiac Disease
Authors: Peters Ulrike , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Trautwein Elke A. , Erbersdobler Helmut F.
Published: April 2003

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the duration of breast-feeding and the age at the first gluten introduction into the infant diet and the incidence and age at onset of celiac disease. Methods: In a case-control study, 143 children with celiac disease and 137 randomly recruited gender- and age-matched control children were administered a standardized questionnaire. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (OR) as estimates of the relative risk and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Results: The risk of developing celiac disease decreased significantly by 63% for children breast-fed for more than 2 months (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21–0.64) as compared with children breast-fed for 2 months or less. The age at first gluten introduction had no significant influence on the incidence of celiac disease (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.29–1.79 comparing first gluten introduction into infant diet >3 months vs. ≤3 months). Conclusions: A significant protective effect on the incidence of celiac disease was suggested by the duration of breast-feeding (partial breast-feeding as well as exclusive breast-feeding). The data did not support an influence of the age at first dietary gluten exposure on the incidence of celiac disease. However, the age at first gluten exposure appeared to affect the age at onset of symptoms.
Antihypertensive Treatment Decreased Serum Leptin Levels in Severe Preeclampsia during Pregnancy
Authors: Anato Verónica , Garmendia Jenny V. , Bianco Nicolas E. , De Sanctis Juan B.
Published: April 2003

Background: Plasma leptin levels in preeclamptic patients have been reported to be similar compared to those of normotensive pregnant women. Nonetheless, no reports have dealt with the effect of antihypertensive treatment and leptin in preeclamptic patients. Methods: The study involved three groups of a similar age, body mass index and weeks of gestation. The groups were 30 normal pregnant women and 23 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia (SPE). The SPE patients were not treated prior to admission and the treatment was a single dose of α-methyldopa or hydralazine alone or in combination. The samples were taken at random in the afternoon (isotonic saline or pharmacological treatment) and 1 h before and after the treatment was given. Leptin serum levels were determined by a commercial sandwich ELISA assay. Results: Leptin levels of the SPE group prior to the treatment were similar to the levels recorded for the normal pregnant women. However, after 1 h leptin levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the nontreated patients (8.0 ± 1.5) compared with those treated (5.15 ± 0.9). Conclusion: These marked differences between treated and nontreated patients suggest that leptin levels may be modulated by a single antihypertensive treatment in preeclamptic patients with a discrete increase in blood pressure.
Oral Clearance and Acid Production of Dairy Products during Interaction with Sweet Foods
Authors: Linke Harald A.B. , Riba Hicham K.
Published: April 2003

Oral clearance and acid production were observed in 30 volunteers following the ingestion of sharp cheddar cheese (CC) and in 9 volunteers following the ingestion of milk chocolate (MC) and low-fat yogurt, and then when MC was eaten immediately after CC (CC/MC) and when CC was eaten following MC (MC/CC). After each test food or food combination had been ingested the volunteers were monitored at five different tooth sites. At each site, using an absorbent paper point, 4 oral fluid samples were collected at 30 min intervals. The five paper points from each sampling occasion were pooled, extracted with 1 ml of water and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for both carbohydrates and organic acids using HPLC. Data obtained for each food was averaged and subjected to statistical evaluation. With the CC, glucose clearance was prolonged, due to intermediate lactose degradation into galactose and glucose. The quantity of lactic acid produced during the four intervals was monitored for each of the test foods and their combinations. Results: CC, MC, CC/MC, MC/CC 30 min after ingestion: 1.64, 3.47, 4.68, 2.97; after 60 min: 1.30, 1.24, 1.28, 1.43; after 90 min: 1.58, 1.02, 0.76, 0.43; after 120 min: 1.27, 0.90, 0.70, 0.42 mmol lactic acid/l oral fluid, respectively. The average total amount of lactic acid obtained during the two hour test period was (highest) CC/MC > MC > CC > MC/CC (lowest). The lowest amount of intra-oral lactic acid was observed (Student’s t test, p < 0.05) when cheddar cheese (CC) was eaten immediately after the milk chocolate (MC). Clinical Significance: Consumption of cheese (cheddar), immediately after a sweet meal, significantly reduces (approx. 30%) the amount of lactic acid produced in the oral cavity, when compared to the amount of acid obtained from the sweet food alone.
Safety Considerations of DNA in Food
Authors: Jonas D.A. , Elmadfa I. , Engel K.-H. , Heller K.J. , Kozianowski G. , König A. , Müller D. , Narbonne J.F. , Wackernagel W. , Kleiner J.
Published: April 2003

Recombinant DNA techniques are capable of introducing genetic changes into food organisms that are more predictable than those introduced through conventional breeding techniques. This review discusses whether the consumption of DNA in approved novel foods and novel food ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be regarded as being as safe as the consumption of DNA in existing foods. It concludes that DNA from GMOs is equivalent to DNA from existing food organisms that has always been consumed with human diets. Any risks associated with the consumption of DNA will remain, irrespective of its origin, because the body handles all DNA in the same way. The breakdown of DNA during food processing and passage through the gastrointestinal tract reduces the likelihood that intact genes capable of encoding foreign proteins will be transferred to gut microflora. The review does not specifically address food safety issues arising from the consumption of viable genetically modified microorganisms but it shows that the likelihood of transfer and functional integration of DNA from ingested food by gut microflora and/or human cells is minimal. Information reviewed does not indicate any safety concerns associated with the ingestion of DNA per se from GMOs resulting from the use of currently available recombinant DNA techniques in the food chain.
«Von den Wurzeln» und «Ursprungsgeschichte» der Psyche
Authors: Schulz-Klein Helmut
Published: April 2003

Der Autor beschäftigt sich mit dem frühesten psychischen Innenhorizont des Säuglings. Die mit erkenntnistheoretischer Vorsicht interpretierten Ergebnisse der empirischen Säuglingsforschung führen ihn zur Hypothese der sekundären Psychifikation des menschlichen Organismus. Dieser lebt zunächst in einer vornehmlich biologisch bestimmten Existenzform. Die frühen Psychifikationsprozesse, die zur sekundären Emergenz des in der Psyche zentrierten und organisierten Seelenlebens führen, werden aus der Sicht der Analytischen Psychologie diskutiert. Dabei ergibt sich, dass die wichtigsten Annahmen von Jung und Neumann zur frühesten Entwicklungspsychologie problemlos sowohl mit der empirischen Säuglingsforschung als auch mit den neuen psychoanalytischen Theorien über den Säugling in Einklang gebracht werden können. Jungs und Neumanns Vorstellungen von der Entelechie des Selbst zeigen viele Gemeinsamkeiten mit dem von der Säuglingsforschung inspirierten Sternschen Modell der Entwicklungsgeschichte des Selbst- und des Bezogenheitsempfindens. Über den Selbstarchetyp hinaus bewährt sich das Jungsche Archetypenmodell generell im Kontext der Säuglingsforschung. Am Beispiel des archetypischen Phänomens wird im Licht der Säuglingsforschung erkennbar, dass der Ort allen psychischen Geschehens im Schnittpunkt zwischen Geist und Materie liegt. Seine Wurzeln liegen in beiden Lebensbereichen.
Pädophile Perversion, sexueller Missbrauch und Pädosexualität
Authors: Haase Hans-Hagen
Published: April 2003

Sexualität zwischen Erwachsenen und Kindern ist immer ein sexueller Missbrauch des Kindes durch den Erwachsenen und fügt dem Kind schweren Schaden zu, weil eine ausgeformte, erwachsene Sexualität auf das ungeformte Sexuelle des Kindes trifft. Um die Pädophilie als sexuelle Perversion beschreiben und verstehen zu können, ist es wichtig, sich einen Überblick über psychoanalytische Theorien der Perversionen zu verschaffen. Der Pädophile versucht, in einem unerbittlichen Wiederholungszwang, eine Situation zu reinszenieren, in der er sich als Idol der Mutter erlebt hat und die Mutter «ihr Kind» idolisierend als untrennbaren Teil des eigenen Körpers erlebt. Psychodynamisch ist der Pädophile mit einer idealisierten Mutter-Imago identifiziert, die den Inzest zulässt. In der Übertragung versuchen pädophile Patienten eine Pseudo-Intimität herzustellen. In der Gegenbewegung gibt es eine ausgeprägte Tendenz, die Psychotherapie so zu destruieren, dass ständig ein Abbruch droht. Die innere Spannung, verstanden als psychotischer Kern, ist bei diesen Patienten so gross, dass eine Psychotherapie fast nur unter äusserem Druck (z.B. Strafverfolgung) möglich erscheint. Je mehr der Patient in der Lage ist, Schuld zu erleben, desto günstiger die Prognose, unter Umständen ist dann auch eine Psychoanalyse denkbar. Die Prognose entspricht der von schweren Abhängigkeitserkrankungen.
Nach der Shoah – Verständigungsversuche in der inneren und äusseren Welt
Authors: Springer Anne
Published: April 2003

Die Autorin problematisiert zunächst die Möglichkeit, sich nach der Shoah innerlich und äusserlich zu verständigen. Dies gelte auch in Bezug auf die Verständigung innerhalb der inneren Welt und – dementsprechend in der Analyse – in Übertragung und Gegenübertragung. Die Shoah habe nicht nur äusserlich, sondern auch in der inneren Welt der Überlebenden und ihrer Nachkommen sowie der Täter und Mitläufer und ihrer Nachkommen eine spezifische Leerstelle hinterlassen. Diese Leerstelle korrespondiert mit einer zentralen Szene im Vernichtungslager, die die psychische Korrumpierung und Kontaminierung der Opfer durch ein terroristisch aufgezwungenes Überleben-Wollen unter Hintanstellung eigener Würde in dehumanisierender Weise bezeichnet. Diese massenhafte und eine tiefe Beschämung der überlebenden Opfer nach sich ziehende Korrumpierung prägte die Überlebenden und deren Nachkommen sowie auch die Täter und deren Nachkommen – jedoch mit völlig unterschiedlichen Konnotationen. Die Aufgabe der analytischen Arbeit liegt heute in der Bearbeitung jener die Separation behindernden inneren Objekte, die mit Hilfe von Andre Greens Konzept der toten Mutter als tote innere Objekte bezeichnet werden können. Begründet wird das Heranziehen von Greens Hypothesen mit dem Fehlen entsprechender Theorieteile in der Analytischen Psychologie. Abschliessend wird diese analytische Arbeit dargestellt an zwei Fallvignetten. Die Autorin schliesst mit der Vermutung, dass innere und äussere Verständigung nach der Shoah wahrscheinlich nur möglich ist durch jeweils eigene psychische Arbeit an der Fähigkeit, eigenen Schmerz zu erleben im Kontext der jeweils eigenen Identität.
Ein Vergleich der Strukturachse der operationalisierten psychodynamischen Diagnostik (OPD) mit Konzepten zur Struktur der Analytischen Psychologie
Authors: Junghan Marianne
Published: April 2003

Leider besteht für diesen Artikel keine Zusammenfassung. Als Einstieg stellen wir den Textanfang zur Verfügung. In der augenblicklich intensiv geführten Debatte um den Stellenwert psychotherapeutischer Interventionen nehmen die Fragen nach dem differenziellen Einsatz unterschiedlicher Psychotherapieverfahren und nach deren spezifischer Wirksamkeit eine zentrale Stellung ein. Welche Kriterien dabei auf die Wirksamkeit eines Psychotherapieverfahrens rückschliessen lassen und ob solche Wirkfaktoren geeignet sind, speziell analytisch ausgerichteter Psychotherapie gerecht zu werden, sind Gegenstand heftiger Kontroversen. Eine überwiegend gemeinsame Annahme besteht in der Auffassung von Psychotherapie als Prozess, der von Veränderungen geprägt ist. Die Erfassung von Veränderungen, denen ein Mensch im Verlauf des psychotherapeutischen Prozesses unterworfen ist, erfordert jedoch ein Werkzeug, das den Ausgangspunkt dieses Prozesses im Sinne einer Zustandsbeschreibung bzw. einer diagnostischen Zuordnung zuverlässig und reproduzierbar erfassen kann und dabei hinsichtlich seiner Gültigkeit breite Anerkennung findet. Ein solches Instrument liegt nun für den deutschsprachigen Raum mit der operationalisierten psychodynamischen Diagnostik (OPD), entwickelt und herausgegeben vom Arbeitskreis OPD [1996], vor. Die OPD wurde konzipiert, um eine diagnostische Erfassung eines Patienten im Kontext einer analytischen Psychotherapie abzubilden. Dies geschieht, indem von einem in der OPD geschulten Interviewer Gespräche mit den entsprechenden Analysanden geführt und anschliessend anhand des OPD-Manuals beurteilt und ausgewertet werden.
Wandlungsprozesse durch die therapeutische Beziehung
Authors: Heisig Daniela
Published: April 2003

Leider besteht für diesen Artikel keine Zusammenfassung. Als Einstieg stellen wir den Textanfang zur Verfügung. Die wohl spannendsten und relevantesten Fragen im Bereich der Psychotherapieforschung sind Fragen nach dem Prozess der Wandlung: Wodurch verändert sich ein Analysand? Hängt diese Wandlung mit der therapeutischen Beziehung zusammen? Wie ereignet sie sich? Wie kündigt sie sich an? Woran lässt sie sich erkennen bzw. worin manifestiert sie sich? Welche Bedeutung spielen dabei die Komplexe? Dies sind nicht nur wissenschaftliche Fragen. Therapeutinnen und Therapeuten gewinnen im täglichen Handeln eigenständige Theorien darüber, wie sich solche Wandlungen vollziehen. Um Wandlungen im seelischen Prozess mit seinen Auswirkungen auf das konkrete Leben zu verstehen, bedienen wir uns des wohl besten Erkenntnisorgans: der eigenen Schwingungen, der Intuitionen, der ausgelösten Gefühle, der inneren Bilder, die Patientinnen und Patienten in uns auslösen – kurz: wir bedienen uns der eigenen Psyche und der Gegenübertragung. Dass in der therapeutischen Beziehung durch die Begegnung zweier Individuen etwas ganz Eigenes und völlig Neues entsteht, ist hinlänglich bekannt [vgl. Buber, 1923; Jacoby, 1993, 1998]. Oft sind es die Komplexe, die sich in der therapeutischen Beziehung neu konstellieren, auch, um sich zu wandeln, um in eine neue Form überführt zu werden, in der Hoffnung, dieses ewige Spiel der stereotypen, allzu gewissen Wiederkehr endlich zu verlassen [vgl. Silberschatz et al., 1991; Dieckmann, 1992]. Wie mehrfach beschrieben wurde, spalten sich Komplexe in der therapeutischen Beziehung auf, nehmen verschiedene Pole ein, die dann auf Therapeutin und Patientin verteilt sind, oft statisch, bis sich durch das Durchbrechen der Muster neue Komplexverteilungen ergeben [vgl. Kast, 1990, 1991, 1994].
Multiple Auditory Steady-State Responses to AM and FM Stimuli
Authors: John M. Sasha , Dimitrijevic Andrew , van Roon Patricia , Picton Terence W.
Published: April 2003

Multiple auditory steady-state responses were recorded using tonal stimuli that were amplitude-modulated (AM), frequency-modulated (FM) or modulated simultaneously in both amplitude and frequency (mixed modulation or MM). When MM stimuli combined 100% AM and 25% FM (12.5% above and below the carrier frequency) and the maximum frequency occurred simultaneously with maximum amplitude, the MM response was one third larger than the simple AM response. This enhancement occurred at intensities between 50 and 30 dB SPL and at carrier frequencies between 500 and 4000 Hz. The AM and FM components of a MM stimulus generate independent responses that add together to give the MM response. Since AM responses generally occur with a slightly later phase delay than FM responses, the largest MM response is recorded when the maximum frequency of the MM stimulus occurs just after the maximum amplitude.
Resolution of Single Deviant Intervals in Periodic Stimuli by Auditory Cortex Neurons: Comparison of Intracochlear Electric Pulse and Acoustic Click Stimulation
Authors: Wang Xu , Scheich Henning
Published: April 2003

Responses of neurons in the primary auditory cortex were compared in gerbils receiving intracochlear electric or acoustic stimulation. Stimuli were trains of periodic electric pulses or of acoustic clicks. Interspersed between intervals of equal length were single intervals which were longer, by some Δt. The Δt and the repetition rate of these prolonged intervals were varied. The degree of synchronization of spikes to the regular occurrences of prolonged intervals was quantified. While thresholds for synchronized responses to Δt (at Δt repetition rates of 4–6 Hz) were about a hundredfold higher for electric (about 5–10 ms) than for acoustic stimulation (about 30 s), Δt repetition rate response functions were similar for both types of stimulation. The results suggest the feasibility of coding brief acoustic transients by prolonged intervals in electric pulse trains with high pulse repetition rates, which could be another useful strategy for cochlear implants.
The Effect of Various Durations of Noise Exposure on Auditory Brainstem Response, Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions and Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions in Rats
Authors: Fraenkel Rachel , Freeman Sharon , Sohmer Haim
Published: April 2003

This study was designed to investigate the effect of various durations of noise exposure in animals on physiological responses from the cochlea which are also used clinically in humans: auditory brainstem response (ABR), transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Rats were exposed to 113 dB SPL broad-band noise (12 h on/12 h off) for durations of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 21 days, and tested 24 h after cessation of the noise and again after a period of 6 weeks. ABR threshold to click stimuli and to a 2-kHz tone burst (TB), TEOAE energy content and DPOAE amplitude in the exposed rats were compared to those in a group of control rats not exposed to noise. ABR thresholds (click and TB) were significantly elevated in all exposure duration groups compared to control rats. DPOAE amplitudes and TEOAE energy content were significantly reduced. The mean ABR thresholds following 21 days exposure were significantly greater (click = 100 dB pe SPL; TB = 115 dB pe SPL) than those following 3 days exposure (click = 86 dB pe SPL; TB = 91 dB pe SPL). Linear regression analysis between recorded responses and duration of noise exposure (days) showed a significant increase in ABR thresholds of approximately 0.8– 1.4 dB/day. TEOAE and DPOAE responses showed no such dependence on noise duration and were already maximally reduced after only 3 days of exposure. This can be explained by the possibility that short noise exposures may cause damage to the early, more active stages of cochlear transduction (as shown by TEOAEs and DPOAEs). As the noise exposure continues, further damage may be induced at additional, later stages of the cochlear transduction cascade (as shown by ABR). Thus, ABR seems more sensitive to noise duration than OAE measures.
Plastic Changes in the Auditory Cortex of Congenitally Deaf Cats following Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Klinke Rainer , Hartmann Rainer , Heid Silvia , Tillein Jochen , Kral Andrej
Published: April 2003

Congenitally deaf cats were used as a model for human inborn deafness and auditory deprivation. The deaf cats were supplied with a cochlear implant, chronically exposed to an acoustic environment and conditioned to acoustic stimuli. In case of early implantation the cats learned to make use of the newly gained auditory channel behaviourally. Neurophysiological and fMRI data showed that the central auditory system was recruited, if implantation took place within a sensitive period of <6 months.