bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Retinocortical Function in Dementia of the Alzheimer Type
Authors: Kergoat Hélène , Kergoat Marie-Jeanne , Justino Lisette , Chertkow Howard , Robillard Alain , Bergman Howard
Published: April 2003

Background: Some histological investigations have reported anomalies in the primary visual pathways of individuals with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT), while others have suggested that these visual structures are spared by the disease process. Objectives: This study was conducted to address this issue of substantial controversy. We determined in vivo whether DAT alters the functioning of the primary visual pathways by evaluating pattern-reversal electroretinograms (ERGs) and cortical visual evoked potentials (VEPs). Methods: Twenty-seven individuals with mild to moderate DAT and 27 age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in the investigation. ERG and VEP recordings were obtained from all participants with the use of a clinical electrodiagnostic system. Stimulus conditions were biased towards a preferential response from the magnocellular and parvocellular subdivisions of the visual system. Results: Amplitude and latency of the ERG were not affected by DAT. The VEP amplitude was not attenuated in DAT individuals, but there was a delay in the latency of the VEPs arising from both magnocellular and parvocellular streams of visual processing. Conclusion: Our results indicate that while the inner retina appears to be spared by the disease process, the visual function is altered upstream in the retinocortical visual pathways of individuals with DAT.
Lifestyle Factors and Health Outcomes in Elderly Hong Kong Chinese Aged 70 Years and Over
Authors: Woo J. , Ho S.C. , Yu A.L.M.
Published: April 2003

Background: Although increasing emphasis is being placed on strategies for successful aging, few studies have examined the relationship between lifestyle factors and mortality and other health outcomes in the old-old population. Objective: To examine the impact of physical activity, dietary habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption on 3-year mortality and other health outcomes. Methods: 2,032 Chinese subjects aged 70 years and older (mean age 80 years) were recruited territorywide by proportional random sampling and followed for 3 years. Baseline information was obtained by interview on level of physical activity, dietary habits (frequency of consumption per week of major food groups), alcohol consumption, and smoking habits. Outcome measures include mortality, self-perceived health status, frequency of hospitalization, geriatric depression score, and development of new diseases (stroke, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, fractures). Logistic regression was used to examine the effects of lifestyle factors on each health outcome, with and without adjustment for age and baseline health status. Results: The mortality risk is reduced with increasing physical activity, daily fish intake and moderate alcohol consumption, and avoidance of smoking; hospitalization is inversely associated with increasing activity; better self-perceived health is associated with moderate alcohol consumption and a non-smoking status, and there is an inverse relationship between depressive symptoms and increasing activity and moderate alcohol consumption. After adjustment for age and baseline health status, higher levels of physical activity are associated with decreased mortality and hospitalization; non-smokers have reduced mortality and a better self-perceived health, and moderate alcohol consumption is also associated with better self-perceived health. Conclusion: Lifestyle factors may influence health outcomes even in the old-old population.
Risk Factors for Spontaneous Preterm Birth: A Northern Italian Multicenter Case-Control Study
Authors: Carlini Laura , Somigliana Edgardo , Rossi Gabriele , Veglia Fabrizio , Busacca Mauro , Vignali Mario
Published: April 2003

Preterm birth remains one of the most serious problems facing obstetricians. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth in northern Italy. Nine different collaborating institutions participated in this multicenter case-control study. Cases were defined as women who were spontaneously delivered of a live singleton newborn between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation. One control was matched to each case by delivery date, maternal age and parity. Seven hundred and fifty-four cases and 754 controls were available for data analysis. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained using a standardized questionnaire. At the time of hospital admission, urine and cervico-vaginal samples were collected and tested for bacterial infections and bacterial vaginosis, respectively. Variables found to be statistically significant in the univariate analysis were entered in a multivariate model to examine their independent effects. In order of decreasing odds ratios (ORs), the factors that showed a significant association with preterm delivery were: previous preterm birth (OR 5.7, confidence interval (CI) 2.5–12.9); second-trimester miscarriages (OR 4.4, CI 1.3–15.3); genital bleeding before 24 weeks of gestation (OR 2.5, CI 1.6–3.8); bacterial vaginosis (OR 2.0, CI 1.3–3.1), and previous genital infections (OR 1.6, CI 1.1–2.5). This study confirms that infections play a role in the etiology of preterm birth and that reproductive history is still the most important factor in identifying women at increased risk.
Stimulated Salivary Flow Rate in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Bayraktar Gulsen , Kazancioglu Rumeyza , Bozfakioglu Semra , Ecder Tevfik , Yildiz Alaattin , Ark Ergin
Published: April 2003

Background: Reduced salivary flow has been reported in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) treatment. Our aim was to investigate the most important factors associated with stimulated salivary flow rate (ssfr) in chronic HD patients. Methods: Fifty HD patients (27 F, 23 M, mean age 46. 7 ± 13.2 years) were divided into two groups according to the duration of HD treatment as those receiving HD therapy less than or equal to (group I) or those more than (group II) 24 months. Fasting blood samples were obtained to determine hepatitis B and C serology, and biochemical and hematological parameters before a HD session. After prestimulation with a standard weight paraffin wax, stimulated saliva was collected in the HD patients and control group (23 F, 25 M, mean age 45.7 ± 19.1 years) and the flow rate was expressed as ml/min. Results: Both HD groups consisted of 25 patients. There was no significant difference between the two HD groups other than serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and presence of HCV. The ssfr was decreased than controls in both groups (0.8 ± 0.6 and 0.7 ± 0.4, respectively, vs. 1.5 ± 0.5 ml/min) and it did not correlate with any parameter. Smoking had a positive effect on ssfr in all groups. Conclusion: Although the salivary flow rate decreased significantly in chronic HD patients, the duration of therapy displayed no effect on the salivary changes in HD patients, but smoking increased ssfr.
Carbamylated Hemoglobin as a Therapeutic Marker in Hemodialysis
Authors: Hasuike Yukiko , Nakanishi Takeshi , Maeda Kiyo , Tanaka Toshihiko , Inoue Toru , Takamitsu Yoshihiro
Published: April 2003

Carbamylation requires isocyanic acid derived from urea. Carbamylation of hemoglobin (Hb) produces carbamylated Hb (carbHb), which could serve as a marker of posttranslational protein modification possibly associated with such uremic complications as atherosclerosis. Since relative carbHb levels are determined by mean urea concentration and duration of exposure, they could be used to assess the adequacy of a patient’s hemodialysis (HD) regimen. We therefore determined the relationship between carbHb and urea kinetics in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoing maintenance HD. In pre-HD determinations as well as in nondialyzed subjects including healthy subjects and CRF patients without dialysis, carbHb correlated well with blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations, especially with BUN averaged for the preceding 1–3 months. In HD patients, carbHb correlated significantly with urea kinetics (time-averaged concentration of urea, or TACurea, Kt/V and urea reduction rate). The estimated mean urea concentration in HD patients calculated from the relationship between carbHb and averaged BUN over 3 months in the nondialyzed groups was lower than TACurea, suggesting that TACurea may be an overestimate. Pre-HD BUN is not a good nutritional index since detrimental decreases in urea elimination from the body can elevate pre-HD BUN independently of nutrition. We therefore devised a new nutritional index, BUN/carbHb, which correlated significantly with serum albumin as well as the normalized protein catabolic rate. These results demonstrate that carbHb accurately reflects uremic control and the BUN/carbHb ratio could serve as an index of nutritional state in HD patients.
Enhanced Expression of C Chemokine Lymphotactin in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Ou Zhou Luo , Hotta Osamu , Natori Yumiko , Sugai Hisako , Taguma Yoshio , Natori Yasuhiro
Published: April 2003

Leukocyte accumulation in the kidney is observed in patients with IgA nephropathy. Chemokines are a large family of cytokines chemotactic for leukocytes and have been shown to be upregulated in renal diseases. We previously reported that the gene expression of lymphotactin, a sole member of C chemokine subfamily, is enhanced in an animal model of crescentic glomerulonephritis, but its expression in human renal diseases is totally unknown. In the present study, we investigated the expression of mRNAs of lymphotactin and some other chemokines in IgA nephropathy. The expression of mRNAs for three chemokines, lymphotactin, MCP-1, and MIP-1β, in renal cortex was increased and the levels of lymphotactin and MCP-1 mRNAs were statistically higher in patients with glomerular crescents than in those without crescents. These levels also correlated with tubulointerstitial changes and urinary protein excretion. Glomerular levels of mRNAs for lymphotactin and MCP-1, but not MIP-1β, were higher in IgA nephropathy than controls. By immunohistochemical analysis, lymphotactin was detected in tryptase-positive cells (putative mast cells) in the interstitial space. These results suggest that lymphotactin, as well as MCP-1, may contribute to leukocyte infiltration and disease progression in IgA nephropathy.
Ninth Cranial Nerve Stimulation for Epilepsy Control
Authors: Patwardhan Ravish V. , Tubbs R. Shane , Killingsworth Cheryl R. , Rollins Dennis L. , Smith William M. , Ideker Raymond E.
Published: April 2003

Objective: To characterize the effects of stimulation of the nerve of Hering (HN; cranial nerve nine) in controlling seizure activity using a canine model. Methods: Using penicillin applied topically to a region of the cerebral cortex, 16 seizure-type continuous epileptiform discharges were generated. Ten specimens of HN (five left-sided and five right-sided) were dissected from the cervical region in five dogs and stimulated at varying parameters to determine the effects in controlling epileptiform activity. Electroencephalography (using a multielectrode array), electrocardiography and other vital signs were continuously monitored for side effects. Results: Resolution of continuous epileptiform activity following stimulation was found in 12 of 16 trials (75%); no spontaneous resolution was noted in the absence of stimulation, and stimulation significantly shortened seizure duration (p < 0.05). Mean epileptiform activity duration was 139 s prior to stimulation (range 1–432 s), with a mean poststimulation delay of 17 s until resolution and a mean interictal time of 399 s. Two specimens became free of seizure activity for the duration of our study (p < 0.001). No significant side effects (such as the potentially life-threatening cardiac problems seen with right-sided cervical vagal nerve stimulation) were found with stimulation of either left- or right-sided HN. Stimulation of other regional nerves (e.g. twelfth cranial nerve, nerves of the cervical plexus) failed to yield similar control of epileptiform activity. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that stimulation of the HN can successfully control focal seizure activity in the majority of cases. Pending further study, stimulation of the HN may have a role in the management of patients suffering from medically and otherwise surgically refractory epilepsy.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Long-Standing Untreated Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus of the Penis
Authors: Kanwar Amrinder J. , Thami Gurvinder P. , Kaur Sukhjot , Mohan Harsh , Attri Ashok K. , Kaur Charandeep
Published: April 2003

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is an uncommon disease of skin and genital mucosa in both sexes. Involvement of the male genital mucosa is usually complicated by recurrent balanoposthitis, ulceration, phimosis, and meatal stenosis. The development of a squamous cell carcinoma is extremely rare in genital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus in males as compared with females. We report a 70-year-old male with a squamous cell carcinoma of the glans superimposed on long-standing lichen sclerosus et atrophicus of glans and prepuce. The patient in addition had a basal cell carcinoma on his face. Awareness of this rare complication of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus in males is emphasized.
Primary Pancreatic Lymphoma: Clinicopathological Analysis of 19 Cases from Japan and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nishimura Rieko , Takakuwa Tetsuya , Hoshida Yoshihiko , Tsujimoto Masahiko , Aozasa Katsuyuki
Published: April 2003

Primary pancreatic lymphoma (PL) is an extremely rare disease, and large-scale studies are rarely performed even in Western countries, in which all cases of PL reported to date were of the B-cell type. Little information regarding PL is available in Japan. Nineteen cases of PL were collected through a nationwide study in Japan, and paraffin-embedded specimens were processed for staining with hematoxylin and eosin and by immunohistochemical procedures. Clinicopathological findings were reviewed and compared with those reported in Western countries. The patient population consisted of 13 men and 6 women, ranging in age from 46 to 84 (average 62) years. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom. Tumors were located in the pancreatic head (12 cases), tail (4 cases) and body (2 cases), and ranged in size from 4 to 17 cm. Clinical stage was IE in 9 cases and IIE in 10. Radical resection was performed in 10 cases and bypass operation in 1, followed by chemotherapy in 8. Immunophenotypically, 15 cases were B-cell and 4 were T-cell lymphomas. Seventy-three percent of B-cell tumors were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. The 1-year actuarial survival rate for B-cell lymphomas (51.9%) was better than that of T-cell lymphomas (0%). However, in Japan the incidence of T-cell PLs was higher, and, partly as a consequence of this, prognosis was poorer than in Western countries.
Trisomy 17 in a bonobo (Pan paniscus) and deletion of 3q in a lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla): comparison with human trisomy 18 and human deletion 4q syndrome
Authors: Lear T.L. , Houck M.L. , Zhang Y.W. , Debnar L.A. , Sutherland-Smith M.R. , Young L. , Jones K.L. , Benirschke K.
Published: April 2003

A female bonobo (Pan paniscus) born at the San Diego Zoo exhibited inability to nurse and progressive weakness plus multiple congenital abnormalities including aural canal atresia and stenosis, malformed auricles, clenched hands, lordosis, agenesis of the caudal vertebra and cardiac abnormalities. Chromosome analysis identified the bonobo as being trisomic for chromosome 17, the homolog of human chromosome 18. Genotyping with human microsatellites suggested the extra chromosome was maternal in origin. In addition, a male lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), also born at the zoo, exhibited postnatal growth retardation, facial dysmorphisms and small hands with short fingers. Karyotype analysis revealed the gorilla carried a deletion of the distal q arm of chromosome 3, the homolog of human chromosome 4. The phenotypic and karyotypic abnormalities found in the bonobo and gorilla were consistent with the characteristics of human trisomy 18 and human deletion 4q syndrome, respectively.
IgE Reactivity to Profilin in Pollen-Sensitized Subjects with Adverse Reactions to Banana and Pineapple
Authors: Reindl J. , Rihs H.P. , Scheurer S. , Wangorsch A. , Haustein D. , Vieths S.
Published: April 2003

Background: The so-called ‘latex-fruit syndrome’ is a well-documented phenomenon in cross-reactive allergies. By contrast, there is a lack of information about allergy to exotic fruits in patients with a predominant pollen sensitization. Since the ubiquitous protein profilin has been identified as an allergen in natural rubber latex as well as in pollen-related foods, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of profilin in allergy to certain exotic fruits. Methods: Recombinant profilins from banana and pineapple were cloned by a PCR technique after isolation of total RNA using degenerated profilin-specific primers. The unknown 5′ ends of copy DNA (cDNA) were identified by rapid amplification of 5′cDNA ends (5′-RACE) and expression in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) cells. The recombinant profilins were purified by affinity chromatography using poly-(L)-proline as the solid phase. IgE-binding capabilities were characterized by means of immunoblot and Enzyme Allergosorbent Test (EAST). The cross-reactivity to birch pollen profilin and latex profilin was studied by EAST as well as by immunoblot inhibition experiments. Results: Both banana and pineapple profilin were found to consist of 131 amino acid residues with high amino acid sequence identity to known allergenic pollen and food profilins (71–84%). IgE binding to the recombinant profilins was observed in 7/16 sera from subjects with suspected banana allergy (44%) and in 8/19 sera from subjects with suspected pineapple allergy (42%). Inhibition experiments indicated similar IgE reactivity of natural and recombinant allergens. In addition, high cross-reactivity to birch pollen profilin Bet v 2 and latex profilin Hev b 8 was demonstrated by immunoblot inhibition as well as EAST inhibition experiments. Conclusions: Since a high IgE-binding prevalence of about 40% was obtained in both banana and pineapple allergy, we conclude that profilin is an important mediator of IgE cross-reactivity between pollen and exotic fruits.
Serum Tryptase Levels in Patients with Mastocytosis: Correlation with Mast Cell Burden and Implication for Defining the Category of Disease
Authors: Sperr Wolfgang R. , Jordan John-Hendrik , Fiegl Michael , Escribano Luis , Bellas Carmen , Dirnhofer Stephan , Semper Hans , Simonitsch-Klupp Ingrid , Horny Hans-Peter , Valent Peter
Published: April 2003

Background: The serum tryptase level is used as a diagnostic marker in mastocytosis and is considered to reflect the burden of (neoplastic) mast cells (MC). Methods: In the present study, serum tryptase levels were measured in patients with mastocytosis by fluoroenzyme immunoassay and compared with the extent of infiltration of the bone marrow (BM) by neoplastic MC, determined by tryptase immunohistochemistry. Sixteen patients with cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) and 43 patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM) were examined. Results: In most patients with CM (defined by the absence of dense compact MC infiltrates in tryptase-stained BM sections), normal or near-normal serum tryptase levels (median 10 ng/ml, range 2–23 ng/ml) were measured. By contrast, in the vast majority of patients with SM, elevated serum tryptase levels (median 67 ng/ml) were found. In addition, there was a significant correlation between the grade of infiltration of the BM by neoplastic MC and tryptase levels in patients with SM (r = 0.8). Moreover, enzyme levels differed significantly among the groups of patients with different types of SM. The highest levels (>900 ng/ml) were detected in the patient with MC leukemia, 2 patients with slowly progressing SM and high MC burden (smoldering SM) and 1 patient with indolent SM. In contrast, in all 3 patients with isolated BM mastocytosis (no skin lesions and no signs of multiorgan involvement), serum tryptase levels were <20 ng/ml. Conclusions: In summary, our data suggest that the measurement of serum tryptase is a reliable noninvasive diagnostic approach to estimate the burden of MC in patients with mastocytosis and to distinguish between categories of disease.
Expression of the Interleukin-8 Receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 on Cord-Blood-Derived Cultured Human Mast Cells
Authors: Inamura Hiroaki , Kurosawa Motohiro , Okano Akira , Kayaba Hiroyuki , Majima Masataka
Published: April 2003

Background: An increase in mast cell number at sites of inflamed tissues has been observed. However, the expression of CXC chemokine receptors on human mast cells is poorly understood. Methods: Cultured human mast cells were raised from human umbilical cord blood cells in the presence of stem cell factor and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The expression of surface chemokine receptors on the mast cells was analyzed by flow cytometry and that of mRNA was examined by the method of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). As functional assays for the receptors, mast cell migration was examined by a microchemotaxis assay and changes in the cytosolic free intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) was measured using fura-2-loaded mast cells, respectively. Results: Expression of IL-8 receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 was demonstrated by flow cytometry and of both mRNA by RT-PCR; however, CC chemokine receptors including CCR3 were not expressed on cord-blood-derived cultured human mast cells. IL-8 and its homologues showed chemotactic activity toward them in a dose-dependent manner, and IL-8 induced a dose-dependent rapid and transient increase in [Ca2+]i in the mast cells. Conclusions: Our results suggest the surface expression of functional CXCR1 and CXCR2 on cord-blood-derived cultured human mast cells.
Epinephrine Fails to Hasten Hemodynamic Recovery in Fully Developed Canine Anaphylactic Shock
Authors: Bautista Edgar , Simons F. Estelle R. , Simons Keith J. , Becker Allan B. , Duke Krika , Tillett Michelle , Kepron Wayne , Mink Steven N.
Published: April 2003

Background: Epinephrine (Epi) is the treatment of choice for reversing cardiovascular collapse in anaphylactic shock (AS). However, there are few data supporting its use in this condition, and most treatment guidelines have been anecdotally derived. In the present study, the time course of hemodynamic recovery from maximal hypotension was investigated in a canine model of AS in which Epi was administered by the intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SQ) and intramuscular (IM) routes on different occasions. The findings obtained with Epi treatment were compared to those in a nontreatment study. Methods: Ragweed-sensitized dogs were examined in respective studies approximately 5 weeks apart in which Epi was administered by one of the above routes in a randomized design. Either Epi (0.01 mg/kg) or placebo was administered at maximal hypotension, and hemodynamics were followed for 3 h after shock. The animals were studied while ventilated and anesthetized. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output, stroke volume (SV), pulmonary wedge pressure (Pwp) and plasma Epi concentrations were obtained at each measurement interval. Results: In the IV study, Epi produced a transient immediate increase in MAP, SV and Pwp as compared to the nontreatment study (144 vs. 52 mm Hg; 32 vs. 12 ml; 9 vs. 5 mm Hg; p < 0.01), but no differences were observed 15 min after shock. Hemodynamics were not different between Epi and no treatment at any intervals when Epi was given by the SQ and IM routes. AS compared with the placebo study, plasma Epi concentrations were higher in the IV and IM studies, but not in the SQ study. Conclusions: Although higher Epi concentrations were observed in the IM and IV studies, a sustained benefit in hemodynamic recovery was not observed in this anesthetized, ventilated canine model. In AS, when administered during maximum shock after mediators have already been released, a single IM, IV or SQ dose of Epi may have limited utility in the treatment of cardiovascular collapse. Earlier administration of Epi, before maximal hypotension occurs, may produce a more beneficial effect.
Clinical Implications of the Expression of Estrogen Receptor-α and -β in Primary and Metastatic Lesions of Uterine Endometrial Cancers
Authors: Fujimoto Jiro , Sakaguchi Hideki , Aoki Ikumi , Toyoki Hiroshi , Tamaya Teruhiko
Published: April 2003

Novel human estrogen receptor (ER)-β was identified in cDNA libraries from human testes. ER-β specifically expresses in the testis, ovary, thymus, spleen, osteoblasts, fetus and uterine endometrium. ER-β might not conserve the same physiological functions as does ER-α. Therefore, expressions of ER-α and ER-β mRNAs in primary and metastatic lesions of uterine endometrial cancers were investigated. The levels of ER-β mRNA were significantly lower than those of ER-α mRNA in uterine endometrial cancers and in normal uterine endometria. The ratio of ER-β to ER-α mRNA in most primary uterine endometrial cancers was similar to that in normal uterine endometria (<0.4% of ER-β mRNA to ER-α mRNA). On the other hand, in 14 of the 20 lymph node metastasis-positive cases of uterine endometrial cancers, the ratio in the metastatic lesion was significantly higher than that in the primary lesion of the corresponding case, and patient prognosis in these cases was extremely poor. Therefore, it is suggested that the intact synchronized expression of ER-β interacting with ER-α might be disrupted, especially in most metastases of uterine endometrial cancers, leading to poor patient prognosis related to estrogen refractoriness.
Management of Retained Intravitreal Lens Fragments after Phacoemulsification Surgery
Authors: Yang Chang-Sue , Lee Fenq-Lih , Hsu Wen-Ming , Liu Jorn-Hon
Published: April 2003

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical features of eyes with retained intravitreal lens fragments after phacoemulsification surgery and to assess the guidelines of management and the visual outcome after vitrectomy. Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients referred to our institute for retained intravitreal lens fragments after phacoemulsification cataract surgery were evaluated retrospectively over a 7-year period. Results: The clinical features of retained lens fragments included deceased visual acuity of 6/60 or worse (68%), uveitis (60%), glaucoma (48%), corneal edema (44%) and retinal detachment in 2 patients (8%). There were 24 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy; 1 patient was managed with medical therapy. After vitrectomy, 17 eyes (71%) showed visual improvement, and final visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 13 eyes (54%). The causes of poor final visual outcome of 6/60 or worse included retinal detachment and cystoid macular edema. The time interval between vitrectomy and phacoemulsification was within 4 weeks in 17 patients (71%), ranging from on the same day to 97 days. There was only a trend of better visual outcome in early vitrectomy patients (within 1 week). There was no statistical difference between the initial intraocular lens status and final visual acuity. Conclusion: Vitectomy with removal of retained intravitreal lens fragments is beneficial for patients with persistent uveitis and glaucoma after phacoemulsification. In the majority of patients, visual improvement was achieved after vitrectomy. However, poor visual outcome may occur secondary to retinal detachment and cystoid macular edema.
Klinische Präsentation und Verläufe nach Endoskopien tracheobronchialer Fremdkörper
Authors: Ellies M. , Laskawi R. , Lux U.
Published: April 2003

Über einen Zeitraum von 10 Jahren wurden an der Universitäts-HNO-Klinik Göttingen insgesamt 98 Patienten bei dem Verdacht auf das Vorliegen eines Fremdkörpers endoskopiert. Bei 54 Patienten (55%) konnte ein Fremdkörper extrahiert werden. Kinder unter 10 Jahren stellten hier eine Risikogruppe dar. Zu den häufigsten Symptomen und pathologischen Veränderungen zählten Husten, pathologische Auskultationsbefunde, Bronchitiden und Pneumonien. Röntgenologisch liessen sich in etwa 80% der Fälle entweder der Fremdkörper oder pathologische Veränderungen darstellen. Die Extraktion der Fremdkörper erfolgte mit einem starren Beatmungsbronchoskop. Als häufigster Fremdkörper liessen sich Nusskerne (44%) nachweisen, die Verweildauer der Fremdkörper variierte von unter 24 h bis zu 98 Tagen. Endoskopisch liessen sich in etwa 65% der Fälle geringgradige oder schwerwiegende Schleimhautveränderungen durch die Fremdkörperaspiration nachweisen, Komplikationen der Endoskopie selbst waren nicht zu verzeichnen. Zusammenfassend sollte nach den Ergebnissen der vorliegenden Untersuchung bei dem Verdacht auf das Vorliegen eines Fremdkörpers eine Endoskopie unter Allgemeinanästhesie durchgeführt werden, da diese Methode eine sichere Fremdkörperentfernung bei gleichzeitig geringer Komplikationsrate zulässt.
Distribution of LINEs and other repetitive elements in the karyotype of the bat Carollia: implications for X-chromosome inactivation
Authors: Parish D.A. , Vise P. , Wichman H.A. , Bull J.J. , Baker R.J.
Published: April 2003

The Lyon repeat hypothesis postulates that long interspersed elements (LINEs) play a role in X-chromosome inactivation. Evidence to support this hypothesis includes the observation that the degree of inactivation of autosomes translocated to the X chromosome is correlated with LINE density on that autosome. We examined the distribution of LINEs in the fruit bat Carollia brevicauda, which has an autosomal translocation to the X that occurred at least 7 million years ago. A quantitative analysis of LINE accumulation on multiple metaphase chromosome spreads revealed a significant accumulation on the original X relative to the attached autosome, the homolog of that autosome (Y2), and chromosome 1. Previous replication studies indicate that for the X and attached autosome, only the original X chromosome replicates late in Carollia females, and that the attached autosome replicates in the same timeframe as other autosomes. These data are compatible with the Lyon repeat hypothesis, and the possibility that LINEs act as booster elements for X inactivation remains a viable hypothesis. We address the procedures and limitations of quantitative analysis based on in situ hybridization.
Evolutionary aspects of the genomic organization of rat chromosome 10
Authors: Behboudi A. , Sjöstrand E. , Gómez-Fabre P. , Sjöling Å. , Taib Z. , Klinga-Levan K. , Ståhl F. , Levan G.
Published: April 2003

Using FISH and RH mapping a chromosomal map of rat chromosome 10 (RNO10) was constructed. Our mapping data were complemented by other published data and the final map was compared to maps of mouse and human chromosomes. RNO10 contained segments homologous to mouse chromosomes (MMU) 11, 16 and 17, with evolutionary breakpoints between the three segments situated in the proximal part of RNO10. Near one of these breakpoints (between MMU17 and 11) we found evidence for an inversion ancestral to the mouse that was not ancestral to the condition in the rat. Within each of the chromosome segments identified, the gene order appeared to be largely conserved. This conservation was particularly clear in the long MMU11-homologous segment. RNO10 also contained segments homologous to three human chromosomes (HSA5, 16, 17). However, within each segment of conserved synteny were signs of more extensive rearrangements. At least 13 different evolutionary breakpoints were indicated in the rat-human comparison. In contrast to what was found between rat and mouse, the rat-human evolutionary breaks were distributed along the entire length of RNO10.
Inv(4)(p14q27) in a Case with de novo Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Benasayag Silvia , Arias Eugenia , Baialardo Edgardo , Reyes Myriam , Sapia Sandra , Bistmans Alicia , Slavutsky Irma
Published: April 2003

An inversion, inv(4)(p14q27), was found as the sole karyotypic anomaly at diagnosis in the bone marrow cells from a 65-year-old male patient with an M4 acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). To our knowledge, the breakpoints observed in this case appear to be different from other inversions of chromosome 4 previously described in ANLL. The patient we described had a poor response to chemotherapy and had a short survival.
Expression of Granulysin mRNA in the Human Megakaryoblastic Leukemia Cell Line CMK
Authors: Kitamura Noriko , Koshiba Masahiro , Horie Osamu , Ryo Ryukichi
Published: April 2003

Granulysin is a newly reported cytolytic molecule and colocalizes with perforin and granzymes in the granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells. In this study, we found that the megakaryoblastic leukemia cell line CMK, established from a patient with Down’s syndrome, expressed granulysin mRNA. CMK was positive for CD13 and CD41 and negative for CD56. CMK also expressed CD2 and CD7. However, no rearrangement of the T-cell receptor β-chain gene, an early marker of T-cell lineage, was found in CMK cells. Thus, CMK is assumed to originate from the clonal evolution at the immature cell level. The expression of granulysin in CMK cells suggests that granulysin is occasionally present in immature multilineage cells or may be characteristic of leukemic cells obtained from Down’s syndrome patients. CMK has been reported to be capable of differentiating to mature megakaryocytes and produce platelets with normal function. It therefore seems to be possible that granulysin is also present in normal platelets. Unfortunately, we were not able to obtain evidence that normal platelets contain granulysin mRNA and its antigen.
Increased CD11/CD18 Expression and Altered Metabolic Activity on Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes from Patients with Polycythemia vera and Essential Thrombocythemia
Authors: Burgaleta Carmen , González Nuria , César Jesús
Published: April 2003

Functional studies of granulocytes in polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are contradictory. In order to study the possible link between adhesion molecules and functional activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in these patients we measured the expression of CD11/CD18 glycoproteins and the oxidative burst of PMNs in patients with PV (13) and ET (18) and in 15 healthy voluntary donors. Experiments were performed by flow cytometry in total blood. The metabolism was stimulated by incubation with Escherichia coli and fMLP. Increased expression of CD11b/CD18 adhesion was obtained in PV and ET patients (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). Studies of oxidative metabolism, stimulated by E. coli, showed a significantly reduced production of oxygen radicals in both groups of patients (p < 0.001). These data confirm the presence of a complex neutrophil dysfunction in PV and ET that probably reflects intrinsic abnormalities induced by changes in the cells’ surface of the neoplastic clone and impaired signal transduction.
Multi-Antioxidant Supplementation Does Not Prevent an Increase in Gut Permeability after Lower Torso Ischemia and Reperfusion in Humans
Authors: Wijnen M.H.W.A. , Vader H.L. , Roumen R.M.H.
Published: April 2003

Background: An increase in gut permeability can have serious consequences leading to sepsis and multiple organ failure. After lower torso ischemia an increase in gut permeability is seen in both animals and humans. There is proof that this can be modified by antioxidant supplementation. Methods: In this prospective, randomized study we have looked at the influence of a multiantioxidant supplementation regime, using allopurinol, vitamins E and C, mannitol and N-acetylcysteine, perioperatively. Twenty-two patients received standard treatment and 20 patients received supplementation. Gut permeability was determined using a double sugar test with lactulose and rhamnose. Results: A significant increase in gut permeability was found neither in the non-treatment group (p = 0.012) nor in the treatment group (p = 0.006) after 6 and 24 h. No difference was found between the group receiving antioxidants and the standard treatment group. p = 0.93 6 h post clamp; p = 0.97 24 h post clamp. Conclusion: In this study we have not found an influence of multiantioxidant supplementation on gut permeability after lower torso ischemia. Possible explanations for this negative result are being discussed.
Protective Effects of Anti-Neutrophil Antibody against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Kohtani T. , Abe Y. , Sato M. , Miyauchi K. , Kawachi K.
Published: April 2003

Neutrophil activation initiates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro functions of an anti-neutrophil monoclonal antibody, Urge-8, and its therapeutic efficacy against myocardial ischemia (MI) in rats. We measured in vitro functions of rat neutrophils including chemotactic activity, superoxide production, phagocytic function, and neutrophil degranulation. MI was induced in Wistar rats by clamping the left coronary artery for 1 h. Rats received either isotype-negative control IgG1 (control group, n = 20), 250 µg/kg of Urge-8 before (pre-treatment group, n = 20) or after (post-treatment group, n = 20) MI. The three groups were compared during the first 24 h after reperfusion with respect to changes in mean arterial pressure, heart rate, body temperature, biochemistry, serum cytokines, myocardial neutrophil infiltration, survival rate, and size of MI. Urge-8 effectively suppressed in vitro functions of rat neutrophils including chemotactic activity, superoxide production, phagocytic function, and neutrophil degranulation. The Urge-8 treated groups showed higher levels of arterial pressure and survival rate, lower values of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, lower grade of myocardial neutrophil infiltration, and smaller MI size as compared to the control group. In conclusion, Urge-8 is effective against myocardial I/R injury by suppressing certain functions and myocardial infiltration of neutrophils in rats.
Leptin and Body Mass Index in Relation to Endometrial Cancer Risk
Authors: Petridou Eleni , Belechri Maria , Dessypris Nick , Koukoulomatis Panagiotis , Diakomanolis Emmanuel , Spanos Evangelos , Trichopoulos Dimitrios
Published: April 2003

Background/Aim: Because leptin is a hormone associated with obesity and reproduction, we attempted to examine whether there is a relationship between leptin and endometrial cancer. Methods: Cases were 84 women with histologically confirmed incident endometrial cancer, whereas controls were 84 women admitted to the same hospital for small surgical operations. The serum leptin levels were determined in fasting morning blood samples by using radioimmunoassay. The mean values of leptin levels among cases and controls were compared with simple t test, and the data were further analyzed using multiple logistic regression procedures. Results: The serum leptin levels were 36.7 ± (SD) 25.7 ng/ml among cases and 26.9 ± 19.8 ng/ml among controls (p = 0.006). After adjustment for known risk factors of endometrial cancer, components of the insulin-like growth factor system did not confound the association of leptin with endometrial cancer, but this association was eliminated, when the body mass index was adjusted for. Thus, the odds ratio for an increment of 1 SD of blood leptin was 1.52 (p = 0.03) before adjustment for body mass index, but only 1.13 (p = 0.62) after adjustment for it. Conclusions: In a case-control study of incident endometrial cancer in Greece, we found evidence that leptin is strongly positively associated with endometrial cancer. It cannot be conclusively inferred, however, whether leptin elevation, as a consequence of obesity, plays a role in endometrial carcinogenesis or whether it is a simple correlate of obesity.
Indomethacin and Ibuprofen Effect on IL-1ra Production by Mononuclear Cells of Preterm Newborns and Adults
Authors: Bessler H. , Ziyada S. , Bergman M. , Punsky I. , Sirota L.
Published: April 2003

The in vitro effect of indomethacin (IM) and ibuprofen (IB) on the production of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) by cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) from preterm newborns was compared to that of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from adults. Mononuclear cells (MC) were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the absence or presence of various concentrations of IM and IB. The level of IL-1ra in the supernatants was tested by ELISA. The results showed a lower ability of MC from preterm newborns to produce IL-1ra as compared with adult cells, supporting the assumption of neonatal immune cell immaturity. IM at pharmacological concentrations caused inhibition of IL-1ra secretion by PBMC from adults whereas IB suppressed the secretion of IL-1ra at higher concentrations only. At the same concentrations neither drug had an in vitro effect on the production of IL-1ra by CBMC of preterm newborns. In conclusion, the lower ability of CBMC of preterm newborns to produce IL-1ra in response to LPS and the absence of an IM and IB effect on the secretion of this cytokine by these cells as compared with PBMC of adults, suggest an underdevelopment of the immune response in preterm newborns.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism in Kuwaiti Children with Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Haider M.Z. , Devarajan L.V. , Al-Essa M. , Kumar H.
Published: April 2003

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease characterized by neovascularization which occurs in infants with short gestational age and low birth weight and can lead to retinal detachment and blindness. In a proportion of ROP cases, the disease progresses to advanced stages despite rigorous intervention. The genotypes for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism were determined in 181 premature Kuwaiti infants using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The incidence of different I/D genotypes was compared in ROP cases (n = 74) and non-ROP controls (n = 107) and within 2 subgroups of ROP patients: (1) in which ROP regressed spontaneously (stages 1–3, n = 53), and (2) in which ROP progressed to advanced stages (stages 4 and 5, n = 21). When the ROP cases were considered collectively as one group, the incidence of the DD genotype was almost identical to that of non-ROP controls. The incidence of heterozygous ID genotype was higher in non-ROP controls. The incidence of the II genotype was higher in ROP cases compared to non-ROP controls (p < 0.01). In contrast to this, when ROP cases were divided in 2 subgroups the incidence of the DD genotype was significantly higher in advanced stage ROP cases compared to spontaneously regressing ROP cases (p < 0.04). The incidences of ID and II genotypes were not significantly different amongst the 2 subgroups of ROP patients.
Probiotics Feeding in Prevention of Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Sepsis and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants
Authors: Dani Carlo , Biadaioli Roberto , Bertini Giovanna , Martelli Elena , Rubaltelli Firmino F.
Published: April 2003

Background: It has been suggested that probiotics can reduce the overgrowth of pathogens in the bowels of preterm infants and contribute to the reduction of the incidence of nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Lactobacillus GG supplementation in reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. Methods: A double-blind study was conducted in 12 Italian NICUs. Newborn infants with a gestational age <33 weeks or birthweight <1,500 g were randomized to receive standard milk feed supplemented with Lactobacillus GG (Dicoflor®, Dicofarm, Rome, Italy) in a dose of 6 × 109 colony-forming units (cfu) once a day until discharge, starting with the first feed or placebo. Results: Five hundred eighty-five patients were studied. The probiotics group (n = 295) and the placebo group (n = 290) exhibited similar clinical characteristics. The duration of Lactobacillus GG and placebo supplementation was 47.3 ± 26.0 and 48.2 ± 24.3 days, respectively. Although UTIs (3.4 vs. 5.8%) and NEC (1.4 vs. 2.7%) were found less frequently in the probiotic group compared to the control group, these differences were not significant. Bacterial sepsis was more frequent in the probiotics group (4.4%, n = 11) than in the placebo group (3.8%, n = 9), but the difference was not significant. Conclusion: Seven days of Lactobacillus GG supplementation starting with the first feed is not effective in reducing the incidence of UTIs, NEC and sepsis in preterm infants. Further studies are required to confirm our results in lower birthweight populations.
Glutathione Secretion into Rat Milk and Its Subsequent γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase-Mediated Catabolism
Authors: Fujikake Noboru , Ballatori Nazzareno
Published: April 2003

Reduced glutathione (GSH) is a critical cellular antioxidant and a cofactor for enzymes that detoxify carcinogens. GSH is present at high concentrations in all mammalian tissues, including mammary gland tissue (1– 2 mM), and recent studies indicate that the tripeptide may also be present in milk. The present study examined the hypothesis that GSH is secreted into rat milk, and that some of the secreted GSH is degraded by the ectoenzyme γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) within the milk space. To test this possibility, milk was collected over a 4-hour period in anesthetized, 9- to 11-day postpartum Wistar rats, as well as in similar rats treated with the GGT inhibitor acivicin. GGT enzymatic activity was relatively high in rat mammary tissue, and acivicin was able to inhibit most (∼80%), but not all of this activity. In control animals, GSH was present in milk, although at a relatively low concentration of ∼20–25 µM. However, after treatment with acivicin, milk GSH concentration increased 3- to 4-fold. Most of the glutathione was in the reduced form, as no GSSG was detected (<2 µM) in any of the milk samples. These results demonstrate that GSH is secreted into rat milk, but that a large fraction of the secreted GSH is degraded by the ectoenzyme GGT. Taken together with previous studies indicating the presence of GSH synthetic and catabolic enzymes in mammary tissue, these data suggest that the mammary gland has a functional γ-glutamyl cycle. This cycle may contribute to the secretion of cysteine into milk, which is a rate-limiting amino acid for neonatal growth and development.
The Postdialytic Rise in the Plasma Total Homocysteine Concentration Is Delayed
Authors: Arnadottir Margret , Wingren Kerstin , Hultberg Björn , Hegbrant Jörgen
Published: April 2003

Background/Aims: The mechanism behind the uremic hyperhomocysteinemia has not been elucidated. Possibly, dialyzable uremic toxins play a role, e.g. as enzyme inhibitors. If so, the conditions for enzymatic removal would be expected to improve after dialysis. Therefore, we studied the postdialytic pattern of the plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration. Methods: We collected blood samples from 19 stable, vitamin-supplemented hemodialysis patients before and at 5, 60, as well as at 480 min after a dialysis session. The patients were studied after dialysis with a low-flux dialyzer (Polyflux 6L) and a high-flux dialyzer (Polyflux 14S). Results: The mean predialytic plasma tHcy concentration was 13.3 µmol/l which is considerably lower than the concentrations observed in our previous studies. In all patients, the plasma tHcy concentration fell during treatment with both types of dialyzers (average decrease 28 ± 7%, p < 0.0001, and 31 ± 8%, p < 0.0001, respectively). No postdialytic change in the plasma tHcy concentration was observed at 60 min after low-flux dialysis, however, after high-flux dialysis, the plasma tHcy concentration was significantly lower at 60 min postdialysis than at 5 min (3 ± 8%, p < 0.05). At 480 min after dialysis, a significant postdialytic increase in the plasma tHcy concentration was found (6 ± 9%, p < 0.01, and 11 ± 5%, p < 0.0001, respectively) both in the case of low-flux and high-flux treatment. Conclusions: In the postdialytic phase, we observed a short-lived stability in the plasma tHcy concentration, and in the case of high-flux dialysis, even a slight decrease in the plasma tHcy concentration. The results support the hypothesis that dialyzable substances interfere with homocysteine removal.