bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Study of Catechol- O-Methyltransferase Gene and Dopamine D4 Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Personality Traits in Healthy Young Chinese Females
Authors: Tsai Shih-Jen , Hong Chen-Jee , Yu Younger W.-Y. , Chen Tai-Jui
Published: July 2004

Human personality traits, which are substantially heritable, may be modulated by monoamine neurotransmitters. It has been demonstrated that the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met genetic polymorphism, a functional polymorphism that may affect monoamine metabolism, is possibly associated with specific personality traits. In addition, a polymorphism in the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene exon 3 has been associated in some, but not all, studies with the novelty seeking personality trait, as evaluated by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). In this study, associations between these two polymorphisms and TPQ personality traits were investigated in a sample population of 120 healthy young Chinese females. The results of this analysis reveal that the COMT Val158Met polymorphism was significantly associated with novelty seeking (p = 0.017) and reward dependence scores (p = 0.015) in our sample. However, no significant differences were demonstrated comparing TPQ-specific scores for subjects bearing different DRD4 genotypes. The present study suggests that the functional COMT Val158Met genetic polymorphism contributes to individual differences in the personality traits novelty seeking and reward dependence. Similar to the results of a recent meta-analytic review, however, no association was demonstrated between this DRD4 polymorphism and novelty seeking in our young Chinese female sample population.
Low Platelet-Poor Plasma Levels of Serotonin in Adult Autistic Patients
Authors: Spivak Baruch , Golubchik Pavel , Mozes Tamar , Vered Yaffa , Nechmad Allon , Weizman Abraham , Strous Rael D.
Published: July 2004

Background: Hyperserotonemia has been reported in about a third of autistic patients. However, most studies have examined whole blood levels of serotonin (5-HT), the vast majority of which is found in platelets. The aim of this study was to determine 5-HT levels in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) in a group of adult patients with autism. Methods: Levels of PPP 5-HT were compared between 10 adult drug-free autistic patients and 12 healthy controls. The Ritvo-Freeman Real-Life Rating Scale and the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS) were administered to the autistic group as a measure of symptom severity. Results: Significantly lower PPP 5-HT levels were observed in the autistic group as compared to the controls (p = 0.03). In addition, PPP 5-HT levels were inversely correlated with OAS scores among subjects with autism (r = –0.64, p < 0.05). Conclusion: PPP 5-HT (‘free’) levels appear to be low in autistic patients and may play a role in the pathophysiology and symptomatology of the disorder.
Long-Term Olanzapine Treatment and P300 Parameters in Schizophrenia
Authors: Molina Vicente , Muñoz Francisco , Martín-Loeches Manuel , Casado Pilar , Hinojosa José A. , Iglesias Alfonso
Published: July 2004

The well-known amplitude reduction of the P300 appears to be unaffected by the treatment with classical antipsychotics in schizophrenia, whereas the effects of atypical neuroleptics on this event-related potential are less understood. The study of these changes could help in deciding whether the P300 amplitude reduction in schizophrenia is a trait or state marker of that illness and in better describing the effect of atypical antipsychotics on altered cognitive functions. We present a prospective longitudinal study of P300 amplitude and latency before and after 6 months’ treatment with olanzapine in 11 patients with schizophrenia. A healthy control group (n = 30) was also studied. Overall, no significant changes, either in amplitude or in latency as measured at Pz and Fz electrodes, were found when comparing the pre- and postolanzapine conditions, despite the overall improvement in positive and negative symptoms. Nevertheless a direct specific association was observed between a P300 amplitude increase with olanzapine and the improvement in negative symptoms. These data would suggest that P300 amplitude reduction in schizophrenia may be relatively independent from clinical state and treatment, thus constituting a trait marker of schizophrenia. Our data also suggest that, in addition to this, some further changes in P300 amplitude might depend on the clinical state of the patients.
Individual Trait Anxiety Levels Characterizing the Properties of Zen Meditation
Authors: Murata T. , Takahashi T. , Hamada T. , Omori M. , Kosaka H. , Yoshida H. , Wada Y.
Published: July 2004

Meditation is a specific consciousness state in which deep relaxation and increased internalized attention coexist. There have been various neurophysiological studies on meditation. However, the personal predispositions/traits that characterize the properties of meditation have not been adequately studied. We analyzed changes in neurophysiological parameters [EEG coherence and autonomic nervous activity using heart rate variability (HRV) as an index] during Zen meditation, and evaluated the results in association with trait anxiety (assessed by Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) in 22 healthy adults who had not previously practiced any form of meditation. During meditation, in terms of mean values in all subjects, an increase in slow alpha interhemispheric EEG coherence in the frontal region, an increase in high-frequency (HF) power (as a parasympathetic index of HRV), and a decrease in the ratio of low-frequency to HF power (as a sympathetic index of HRV) were observed. Further evaluation of these changes in individuals showed a negative correlation between the percent change (with the control condition as the baseline) in slow alpha interhemispheric coherence reflecting internalized attention and the percent change in HF reflecting relaxation. The trait anxiety score was negatively correlated with the percent change in slow alpha interhemispheric coherence in the frontal region and was positively correlated with the percent change in HF. These results suggest that lower trait anxiety more readily induces meditation with a predominance of internalized attention, while higher trait anxiety more readily induces meditation with a predominance of relaxation.
Acute Effects of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition on Renal Function in Heterozygous Ren-2-Transgenic Rats on Normal or Low Sodium Intake
Authors: Vaněčková Ivana , Cahová Monika , Kramer Herbert J. , Husková Zuzana , Škaroupková Petra , Komers Radko , Bader Michael , Ganten Detlev , Červenka Luděk
Published: July 2004

Background/Aims: Since there are no data available so far on the role of renal cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in hypertensive Ren-2-transgenic rats (TGR), in the present study we evaluated renal cortical COX-2 protein expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations as well as renal functional responses to acute COX-2 inhibition in male heterozygous TGR and in normotensive Hannover Sprague-Dawley (HanSD) rats fed either a normal-sodium (NS) or a low-sodium (LS) diet. Methods: In rats fed either the NS or the LS diet for 12 days and prepared for clearance experiments with left ureteral catheterization, the renal functional responses of the left kidney were evaluated after intrarenal COX-2 inhibition with DuP-697 or NS-398. In renal cortical tissue, COX-2 protein expression was assessed by immunoblotting, and the concentration of PGE2 as a marker of COX-2 activity was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Mean arterial pressure in the right femoral artery was monitored by means of a pressure transducer. Results: In heterozygous TGR, to our surprise, the LS diet normalized the mean arterial pressure. Despite significantly higher renocortical expression of COX-2 and PGE2 concentrations as well as urinary PGE2 excretion in TGR as compared with HanSD rats kept on the NS diet, selective intrarenal COX-2 inhibition did not influence renal function either in TGR or in HanSD rats. The LS diet increased renocortical COX-2 expression and PGE2 concentrations as well as urinary PGE2 excretion significantly stronger in TGR than in HanSD rats. Regardless of these increases, the intrarenal COX-2 inhibition caused comparable decreases in glomerular filtration rate, in absolute and fractional sodium excretion, as well as in urinary PGE2 excretion in TGR and HanSD rats kept on the LS diet. Conclusions: The present data show that a LS diet normalizes the mean arterial pressure in heterozygous male TGR. This first study on the role of renal COX-2 in TGR also demonstrates that COX-2-derived vasodilatory prostanoids do not act as renal compensatory vasodilator and natriuretic substances in this model of hypertension.
Safety and Efficacy of Single Bolus Anticoagulation with Enoxaparin for Chronic Hemodialysis. Results of an Open-Label Post-Certification Study
Authors: Klingel Reinhard , Schwarting Andreas , Lotz Johannes , Eckert Martin , Hohmann Volker , Hafner Gerd
Published: July 2004

Background: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is supposed to be advantageous compared to unfractionated heparin for chronic hemodialysis (HD) with respect to lipid and bone metabolism, polymorphonuclear cell stimulation, induction of antibody-mediated thrombocytopenia, and aldosterone suppression. Due to longer biological half-life, LMWH offers the possibility of single bolus administration. Methods: To assess safety and efficacy of single bolus anticoagulation with enoxaparin for chronic HD, 781 stable HD patients from 79 German dialysis centers (mean age 62 years; 31% ESRD due to diabetes mellitus) were monitored by clinical and laboratory parameters for 32 weeks. Additionally, in a single dialysis center, 22 chronic HD patients were investigated by molecular markers of coagulation during chronic HD under conditions of single bolus or continuous anticoagulation regimens. Anti-Xa activity and the thrombin- antithrombin-III complex (TAT) were determined before the enoxaparin bolus, after 15 min, 2 h, and at the end of HD in venous and arterial blood lines. Results: Chronic HD was performed in 24,117 HD treatments with enoxaparin at a median dose of 70.1 IU/kg (5,000 IU median total dose) for single bolus anticoagulation. In 83.0% of HD treatments, enoxaparin was given as single bolus. In 98.3% of patients no adverse event was reported. No drug-related severe adverse event occurred. Significant clotting problems were observed in only 0.3% of HD treatments with single bolus anticoagulation. As assessed in 257 HD treatments, essentially identical anti-Xa levels were detected at the end of HD with single bolus (50 IU/kg) or continuous (mean total dose 43 IU/kg) anticoagulation regimens. Bolus anticoagulation resulted in higher TAT generation at the end of HD. However, this was not associated with increased macroscopic clot formation. Conclusion: Single bolus anticoagulation with enoxaparin was safe and effective for chronic HD. For a duration of 4 h HD, a median dose of 70 IU/kg can be recommended for regular use, which is in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for use of enoxaparin recommending a range of 50–100 IU/kg.
Identifying Chemokines as Therapeutic Targets in Renal Disease: Lessons from Antagonist Studies and Knockout Mice
Authors: Vielhauer Volker , Eis Vaclav , Schlöndorff Detlef , Anders Hans-Joachim
Published: July 2004

Chemokines, in concert with cytokines and adhesion molecules, play multiple roles in local and systemic immune responses. In the kidney, the temporal and spatial expression of chemokines correlates with local renal damage and accumulation of chemokine receptor-bearing leukocytes. Chemokines play important roles in leukocyte trafficking and blocking chemokines can effectively reduce renal leukocyte recruitment and subsequent renal damage. However, recent data indicate that blocking chemokine or chemokine receptor activity in renal disease may also exacerbate renal inflammation under certain conditions. An increasing amount of data indicates additional roles of chemokines in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, which may adversively affect the outcome of interventional studies. This review summarizes available in vivo studies on the blockade of chemokines and chemokine receptors in kidney diseases, with a special focus on the therapeutic potential of anti-chemokine strategies, including potential side effects, in renal disease.
Efficacy of Pneumococcal Immunization in Patients with Renal Disease – What Is the Data?
Authors: Robinson Joan
Published: July 2004

Background/Aims: There is an increased incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in patients with renal allografts, chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), or nephrotic syndrome (NS). Routine pneumococcal immunization (PI) has been recommended for these patients, but the efficacy of PI in this population is not well established. Methods: A review was done of studies that reported the immunologic response, efficacy, or safety of PI in patients with renal allografts, CRI, or NS. Results: On review of 26 published studies of PI in this population, all studies demonstrated a serologic response by the majority of patients to at least some pneumococcal serotypes. Use of steroids did not alter this response. In the studies with a greater than 6-month follow-up, declining antibody titers were consistently reported, and this decline was usually more rapid than in healthy controls. However, because the studies of the efficacy of PI in this population involve small numbers of patients and are not controlled, the significance of this decline in titers is not known. The incidence of serious adverse reactions to PI is very low. Conclusion: Pending more data, patients with renal transplants, CRI, or NS should continue to be offered PI.
Benign B-Cell Precursors (Hematogones) Are the Predominant Lymphoid Population in the Bone Marrow of Preterm Infants
Authors: Rimsza Lisa M. , Douglas Vonda K. , Tighe Patrick , Saxonhouse Matthew A. , Calhoun Darlene A. , Christensen Robert D. , Sola Martha C.
Published: July 2004

Bone marrow (BM) findings in 3rd-trimester stillborns and full-term living neonates have been previously described. However, there is no information regarding BM composition in living preterm infants. Specifically, it is unknown whether the BM lymphocytosis seen in full-term infants at 1–4 weeks of age also occurs in preterm infants. Furthermore, the lineage of these cells has never been investigated. We used a panel of immunohistochemical stains to characterize the BM composition in 11 neonates (8 living and 3 deceased). Unlike in the other age groups, immature B cells (hematogones) were the most common lymphoid population, accounting for 10–60% (mean 34%) of all cells. In two additional cases (both living patients), flow cytometry revealed a level of 3.8% of immature B cells in a <1-week-old neonate and 25.7% in a 19-week-old infant. Immature B cells were not identified in 6 peripheral blood samples from preterm neonates. These findings are pertinent for the interpretation of BM and peripheral blood samples in this age group as survival improves and diagnostic samples become more common.
Beta-Interferon Treatment Reduces Human Herpesvirus-6 Viral Load in Multiple Sclerosis Relapses but Not in Remission
Authors: Álvarez-Lafuente Roberto , De Las Heras Virginia , Bartolomé Manuel , Picazo Juan José , Arroyo Rafael
Published: July 2004

To determine whether the DNA prevalence of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), the viral load and the prevalence of both HHV-6 variants in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients in exacerbation are altered by beta-interferon (IFN-β) treatment, in comparison with RRMS patients in remission, we analyzed HHV-6 (A and B) genomes in 189 serum samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction: 105 of the RRMS patients were receiving IFN-β treatment (48 in exacerbation) and 84 were untreated (36 in relapse). The results were as follows. (1) Prevalence decrease because of IFN-β treatment was not significant: 25% of RRMS patients in relapse vs. 15.9% in remission (p = 0.45). (2) Viral load was twice as much in untreated patients in relapse than in treated ones. (3) We only found variant A. Since IFN-β treatment is able to significantly reduce HHV-6 viral load in RRMS patients in relapse, but not in remission, we suggest a role for HHV-6 in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis exacerbations and an antiviral role for IFN-β treatment in RRMS.
Cognitive, but Not Mood Dysfunction Develops in Multiple Sclerosis during 7 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Haase C.G. , Tinnefeld M. , Daum I. , Ganz R.E. , Haupts M. , Faustmann P.M.
Published: July 2004

Long-term development of psychological deficits in disability-free early multiple sclerosis (MS) was evaluated in 27 female patients over a period of 7 years and compared with healthy controls. Physical and cognitive parameters deteriorated significantly but not depression scores. In particular, the self-assessed somatic complaints remained non-similar between patients and controls. This indicates that although depression is clinically relevant and frequent in MS, in contrast to cognition it is not related to physical disease progression.
DNA Haplotype Analysis of CAG Repeat in Taiwanese Huntington’s Disease Patients
Authors: Wang C.K. , Wu Y.R. , Hwu W.L. , Chen C.M. , Ro L.S. , Chen S.T. , Gwinn-Hardy K. , Yang C.C. , Wu R.M. , Chen T.F. , Wang H.C. , Chao M.C. , Chiu M.J. , Lu C.J. , Lee-Chen G.J.
Published: July 2004

We studied the expanded CAG repeat and adjacent CCG repeat in 53 Huntington’s disease (HD) patients and 172 unrelated normal subjects matched to the patients for ethnic origin. The range of the CAG repeat varied from 38 to 109 in the HD patients and from 10 to 29 in the control group. A significant negative correlation was found between the age at onset and the CAG expansion, with no significant influence of the adjacent CCG repeat on the age at onset by multiple regression analysis. Allelic association using CCG repeat and 2 flanking dinucleotide repeat markers within 150 kb of the HD gene revealed linkage disequilibrium for 2 of 3 markers. Haplotype analysis of 24 HD families using these markers identified 3 major haplotypes underlying 87.5% of HD chromosomes. The data suggested frequent haplotypes in the Taiwanese population on which one or more mutational events leading to the disease occurred.
Cerebral Venous Infarction: The Pathophysiological Concept
Authors: Schaller B. , Graf R.
Published: July 2004

Cerebral venous occlusion represents an often underdiagnosed cause for acute or slowly progressive neurological deterioration. The underlying pathophysiological basis is not well understood, but is different from those of arterial occlusion reflecting therefore different anatomical and physiological features of the cerebral venous system. Extensive collateral circulation within the cerebral venous system allows for a significant degree of compensation in the early stages of venous occlusion. Elevated cerebral venous pressure due to cerebral venous occlusion can result in a spectrum of phenomena including a dilated venous and capillary bed, development of interstitial edema, increased cerebrospinal fluid production, decreased cerebrospinal fluid absorption and rupture of venous structures (hematoma). All of these pathophysiological changes may explain the clinical observation that cerebral venous occlusion, if promptly diagnosed and adequately managed, contains reversible alterations and need not always lead to venous infarction. The present review outlines this different pathophysiological behavior of venous compared to arterial occlusion in the cerebral vasculature; special reference is given to the effect of these changes on the therapeutic impact.
Early Carotid Surgery in Acute Stroke: A Multicentre Randomised Pilot Study
Authors: Welsh S. , Mead G. , Chant H. , Picton A. , O’Neill P.A. , McCollum C.N.
Published: July 2004

Background: Standard practice has been to delay carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for 2 months following acute stroke to avoid a perceived risk of cerebral haemorrhage. We investigated whether early CEA reduces early recurrent stroke and improves outcome in partial anterior circulation infarction (PACI). Methods: Patients with PACI and a Barthel score of >18 before stroke underwent carotid duplex and CT imaging within 7 days of stroke. Forty consenting patients fit for surgery with greater than 70% ipsilateral carotid stenosis were randomised, 19 to ‘early’ (within 24 h) and 21 to ‘delayed’ surgery (at 8 weeks). Modified Rankin and Barthel scores were recorded at 1 week, 2 months, 6 and 12 months. Results: Rankin scores improved more rapidly following ‘early’ surgery to a score of 1 (0–4) at 2 and 6 months compared with 2.5 and 2 (1–4), respectively, for delayed surgery (p < 0.05). Barthel scores were also significantly improved following ‘early’ CEA at 7 days but both groups reached a median score of 20 by 2 months. Four ‘delayed’ and 3 ‘early’ patients suffered extension or recurrence of neurological deficits with 1 death in each group. Conclusions: Early CEA within 7 days of ischaemic stroke improved functional outcome with earlier hospital discharge. A large multicentre study is needed to exclude the possibility that ‘early’ CEA increases the risk of cerebral haemorrhage or death.
Salivary Cortisol, a Biological Marker of Stress, Is Positively Associated with 24-Hour Systolic Blood Pressure in Patients with Acute Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Ahmed Niaz , de la Torre Bartolome , Wahlgren Nils Gunnar
Published: July 2004

Background/Aim: The cause of elevated blood pressure (BP) in acute stroke is unknown. Stress is often suggested as a main contributing factor. We aimed to investigate the relationship between BP and stress in patients with acute stroke. Methods: 58 patients with clinical symptoms of stroke were recruited prospectively after exclusion of haemorrhage by CT scan within 14 h and 15 min (mean) after symptom onset (range 2 h and 45 min–23 h and 40 min). The mean age of the patients was 66 years (range 39–86 years), and the mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was 7 (range 1–26). BP and pulse rate were recorded by non-invasive automatic monitoring hourly for 24 h. Stress was evaluated by testing the level of salivary cortisol. Four samples of saliva were obtained at inclusion, on the evening of the inclusion day (20.00–22.00 h), on the morning of the next day (7.00–9.00 h) and on the afternoon of the inclusion day/next day (15.00–17.00 h) within 24 h after inclusion in the study. Logarithmic transformation was done for cortisol levels. Results: The 24-hour mean cortisol level (geometric mean 13.6 nmol/l) was related to 24-hour mean systolic BP [SBP; r = 0.36, p = 0.01, multivariate p = 0.02], mean night-time (22.00–6.00 h) SBP (r = 0.43, p = 0.001, multivariate p < 0.005) and mean night-time diastolic BP (r = 0.31, p = 0.02, multivariate p = 0.02). Cortisol levels at inclusion (r = 0.31, p = 0.02, multivariate p = 0.05 for 24-hour SBP) and in the evening were also statistically significantly related to the above BP variables. The morning cortisol (r = 0.28, p = 0.04, multivariate p = 0.04) was related to night-time SBP. Conclusions: Salivary cortisol was positively correlated with 24-hour SBP and night-time BP, suggesting that stress is a contributing factor for high BP in acute stroke.
C-Reactive Protein and White Blood Cell Count Increases in the First 24 Hours after Acute Stroke
Authors: Christensen Hanne , Boysen Gudrun
Published: July 2004

Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) in acute stroke may reflect the stroke lesion itself or pre-existing factors such as infections, smoking or atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between CRP and WBC levels and time from onset of stroke, stroke severity and outcome. Patients and Methods: The analyses were based on 719 patients in whom WBC test material was obtained within 9 h of stroke onset and CRP test material within 24 h of stroke onset. Stroke severity was assessed by the Scandinavian Stroke Scale Score on admission and outcome by death 7 days, 3 months and 1 year after symptom onset as well as modified Rankin Scale 3 months after stroke onset. Results: CRP and WBC levels correlated significantly with time from symptom onset as well as with stroke severity and outcome. Levels of CRP and WBC were higher in later determinations in severe stroke. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, CRP+10 mg/l was independently related to 1-year mortality (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.02–1.2). Conclusion: Levels of WBC and CRP increase within the first 24 h in patients with severe stroke. CRP but not WBC is related to long-term mortality possibly by reflecting the vascular risk profile.
Reliability of a Semi-Automated Technique of Cerebral Infarct Volume Measurement with CT
Authors: Gavin Carole M. , Smith Craig J. , Emsley Hedley C.A. , Hughes David G. , Turnbull Ian W. , Vail Andy , Tyrrell Pippa J.
Published: July 2004

Background: A reliable method of infarct volume measurement is needed if infarct volume is to be used as an outcome measure in clinical stroke trials. We investigated the reproducibility of a semi-automated method of computed tomography (CT) infarct volume measurement amongst three stroke research fellows with no formal neuroradiology training and two consultant neuroradiologists. Methods: CT brain scans for volumetric analysis were performed at 5 to 7 days in 34 patients with acute ischaemic stroke, of which 28 scans showed visible recent infarction. Five observers independently traced the infarct boundary on digitised images with a cursor. Volumetric analysis incorporated pixel thresholding with preset Hounsfield thresholds. One of the observers repeated the analyses on 21 of the scans in order to assess intraobserver variation. Results: Median infarct volume was 35.7 cm3 (range 0.2–318 cm3). The closest limits of observed agreement (mean ± 1.96 SD) between pairs of observers were between a research fellow and neuroradiologist (–29 to 21 cm3). The widest limits of agreement were between a different research fellow and the same neuroradiologist (–39.1 to 41.4 cm3). The limits of agreement between infarct volumes measured on two separate occasions by one of the research fellows were –7 to 8 cm3. Conclusions: Intraobserver reliability of CT infarct volume measurements performed by a stroke research fellow was superior to interobserver reliability between any pair of observers. The wide limits of agreement between different observers using manual tracing may not be acceptable in multicentre trials of acute ischaemic stroke treatment, but volume measurement by a single observer appears to be more reliable.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Significance of Early Ischemic Changes on Computed Tomography
Authors: Derex Laurent , Nighoghossian Norbert , Hermier Marc , Pialat Jean-Baptiste , Wiart Marlène , Philippeau Frédéric , Adeleine Patrice , Honnorat Jérôme , Froment Jean-Claude , Berthezène Yves , Trouillas Paul
Published: July 2004

The significance of early ischemic changes (EICs) on CT remains controversial. MRI may provide relevant information in patients with EICs. Methods: EICs were assessed in patients with acute ischemic stroke. MRI was promptly performed at presentation after CT and repeated on day 1. The relationship between EICs and MRI parameters was assessed with one-way ANOVA for analysis of continuous variables and by the χ2 test for the analysis of variables with a binary outcome. Results: Fourty-eight patients underwent CT and MR imaging before treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (age: 63 ± 14 years). EICs were graded as absent in 28 patients, <33% in 15 patients, and >33% of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory in 5 patients. NIHSS score was higher in patients with EICs that covered more than one third of the MCA territory (19 ± 3) compared to those without EICs (12 ± 5; p = 0.04). Patients who had major EICs had a larger acute lesion volume in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI; 140 ± 78 cm3) compared to those without EICs (33 ± 51 cm3, p < 0.0001). Regional cerebral blood flow, regional cerebral blood volume, time to peak and mean transit time values were not significantly different in the study groups. Conclusion: EICs reflect mainly a larger DWI lesion.
Comparative Effects of Two Phototherapy Delivery Systems on Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity in Term Neonates
Authors: Hammerman Cathy , Kaplan Michael
Published: July 2004

Background: Phototherapy is an effective and generally safe method of treating neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. However, there is some concern that it may affect cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in newborns with fragile cerebral vasculature. Objectives: To measure and compare the effects of two different phototherapy units, delivering similar irradiance, on CBFVs. Methods: Doppler flow velocities were measured in term infants under fluorescent overhead and fluorescent BiliBed® phototherapy units, respectively, at baseline, 4 and 24 h of therapy. Results: Peak systolic CBFV increased during treatment in infants treated under overhead phototherapy (n = 18) but not in those treated in BiliBeds® (n = 12). Conclusions: Different phototherapy delivery modalities can have differential effects on CBFV in term neonates.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Features of Uterine Leiomyomas
Authors: Celik Onder , Sarac Kaya , Hascalik Seyma , Alkan Alpay , Mizrak Bulent , Yologlu Saim
Published: July 2004

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy features of uterine leiomyomas using long echo time and to characterize the spectral patterns of these lesions. Methods: We calculated metabolites in 15 patients with uterine leiomyomas and myometrium of 20 healthy control subjects using single-voxel proton MR spectroscopy (point resolved spectroscopy technique, TE:136 ms). Voxels were placed at the center of the uterine leiomyomas. The peak areas of creatine, choline, lipid and lactate were determined. The MR spectroscopy results of uterine leiomyomas were compared with the spectroscopy results obtained from the myometrium of healthy control subjects. Results: The characteristically obtained signal was choline, which was detected not only in 14 of the 15 leiomyomas (93.3%) but also in 18 of the 20 myometrium of control subjects (90%). The lipid signals were determined in 9 of 15 patients with uterine leiomyomas (60%) and 8 of 20 control subjects (40%). The lactate signal was obtained from six of 15 patients with leiomyomas (40%) but only two of myometrium (10%). The creatine signal was obtained from 4 of 15 patients with leiomyomas (26.6%) and 5 of 20 myometrium (25%). Among the tested parameters only lactate peak was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Proton MR spectroscopic imaging may be helpful for the investigation of the underlying pathophysiology of uterine leiomyomas. The presence of lactate and lipid signals in the spectrum may be a useful indicator of metabolic pathway of uterine leiomyomas.
A Preclinical Phase in Vascular Dementia: Cognitive Impairment Three Years before Diagnosis
Authors: Jones Sari , Jonsson Laukka Erika , Small Brent J. , Fratiglioni Laura , Bäckman Lars
Published: July 2004

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) patients exhibit similar patterns of deficits in many cognitive tasks in the early clinical stages. Considering that preclinical cognitive deficits are well documented in AD, the purpose of the present study was to investigate if such deficits are also present in VaD. The cognitive outcome measure was the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The sample was taken from a population-based study and consisted of 699 persons who were nondemented at baseline, but out of whom 35 persons were diagnosed with VaD and 170 with AD at a 3-year follow-up. Both the incident VaD and AD cases exhibited baseline deficits on the total score of the MMSE and three of the subscales: orientation to time, orientation to place, and delayed memory. Further, both dementia groups exhibited precipitous decline on most MMSE subscales during the 3-year follow-up period. Logistic regression analyses showed that all subscales that revealed deficits at baseline predicted dementia status at follow-up. Delayed memory was the best predictor in both preclinical VaD and preclinical AD. Thus, these results demonstrate preclinical cognitive deficits in VaD in a measure of global cognitive functioning, which closely resemble those observed in AD. This observation suggests that circulatory disturbance is associated with cognitive problems several years before the actual VaD diagnosis.
Impact of Different Diagnostic Criteria on Prognosis of Delirium: A Prospective Study
Authors: Laurila Jouko V. , Pitkala Kaisu H. , Strandberg Timo E. , Tilvis Reijo S.
Published: July 2004

A 2-year follow-up study was performed to compare the prognosis of delirium defined according to 4 different diagnostic classifications (DSM-III, DSM-III-R, DSM-IV and ICD-10 clinical criteria) among 425 elderly geriatric hospital patients and nursing home residents. The proportion of delirium varied from 24.9% (DSM-IV) to 10.1% (ICD-10). The prognoses were similar particularly according to all DSM classifications: 31.3–36.3% of the delirious patients died within 1 year and 57.8–62.5% within 2 years. The number of subjects diagnosed as delirious according to the ICD-10 was small, and their prognosis did not differ significantly from the others either. The DSM-IV has simplified the criteria of delirium. It identifies new, acutely ill and relatively nondependent subjects as delirious who share the poor prognosis of patients diagnosed with the previous criteria.
SREBP-1a Polymorphism Influences the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in Carriers of the ApoE4 Allele
Authors: Spell Christian , Kölsch Heike , Lütjohann Dieter , Kerksiek Anja , Hentschel Frank , Damian Marinella , von Bergmann Klaus , Rao Marie Luise , Maier Wolfgang , Heun Reinhard
Published: July 2004

Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) are transcription factors involved in cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis. Recently, a polymorphism in the 5′-region of the SREBP-1a gene has been described to be correlated with alterations in the plasma levels of cholesterol. Consequently the relationship between this SREBP-1a gene polymorphism and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) alone and in combination with the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) 4 allele was evaluated. No association between SREBP-1a polymorphism alone and AD could be seen. However, in the group of healthy ApoE4 allele carriers, the number of homozygote SREBP-1a ΔG allele carriers was significantly higher than in AD patients. Cerebrospinal fluid levels of cholesterol were lower in AD patients who were carriers of the SREBP-1a ΔG allele, and the ratio of 24S-hydroxycholesterol to cholesterol was increased in these probands. Our data suggest a reduced risk of AD in carriers of an ApoE4 allele who are additionally homozygous for the SREBP-1a ΔG allele, which is possibly due to the influence of SREBP-1a polymorphism on brain cholesterol metabolism. This is the first report on a genetic factor which prevents the deleterious effect of the ApoE4 allele and thus reduces the risk of AD.
The Scoring Scheme of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly Needs Revision: Results of Rasch Analysis
Authors: Tang Wai Kwong , Wong Eric , Chan Sandra S.M. , Chiu Helen F.K. , Wong Ka Sing , Kwok Timothy C.Y. , Mok Vincent , Ungvari Gabor S.
Published: July 2004

The purpose of this study was to examine the optimal scoring scheme (category use), unidimensionality, item fit, and redundancy of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) in a cohort of Hong Kong Chinese stroke survivors. At 3 months after the index stroke, a research assistant administered the IQCODE to relatives of 284 Chinese patients with acute stroke who were consecutively admitted to a general hospital. A psychiatrist, who was blinded to the IQCODE scores, interviewed all 284 patients and made DSM-IV diagnosis of dementia, which served as the benchmark for judging the performance of IQCODE in screening dementia. The results suggest that the optimal IQCODE scoring scheme has 2 rather than the original 5 categories. Although the IQCODE was unidimensional overall, there was evidence of item redundancy, thus indicating that a shortened version is desirable.
Polymorphisms of the Macrophage Inhibitory Factor and C-Reactive Protein Genes in Subjects with Alzheimer’s Dementia
Authors: Flex Andrea , Pola Roberto , Serricchio Michele , Gaetani Eleonora , Proia Anna S. , Di Giorgio Angela , Papaleo Pierangelo , Bernabei Roberto , Pola Paolo
Published: July 2004

Neuroinflammation is a central feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key molecule of the acute phase of inflammation that has been localized in the two characteristic lesions of AD brain, senile plaque and neurofibrillary tangles. On the other hand, the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine with multiple biological activities, including the ability to act as potent amyloid beta (A-beta)-binding protein. Two common polymorphisms have been recently detected in the genes encoding for CRP and MIF and have been associated with significant modifications of plasma levels and activity of the corresponding proteins. Following these observations, we hypothesized that CRP and MIF gene polymorphisms might contribute to the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders and evaluated their association with AD. CRP and MIF gene polymorphisms were examined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme analysis in 116 Italian subjects affected by probable AD and 184 age- and sex-matched controls. We did not find a statistically significant difference in the distribution of CRP and MIF genotypes and alleles between AD subjects and controls. Although these data need further confirmation, they indicate that CRP and MIF gene polymorphisms are not associated with AD.
Plasma Antioxidant Status, Immunoglobulin G Oxidation and Lipid Peroxidation in Demented Patients: Relevance to Alzheimer Disease and Vascular Dementia
Authors: Polidori M.Cristina , Mattioli Paola , Aldred Sarah , Cecchetti Roberta , Stahl Wilhelm , Griffiths Helen , Senin Umberto , Sies Helmut , Mecocci Patrizia
Published: July 2004

A large body of evidence supports a role of oxidative stress in Alzheimer disease (AD) and in cerebrovascular disease. A vascular component might be critical in the pathophysiology of AD, but there is a substantial lack of data regarding the simultaneous behavior of peripheral antioxidants and biomarkers of oxidative stress in AD and vascular dementia (VaD). Sixty-three AD patients, 23 VaD patients and 55 controls were included in the study. We measured plasma levels of water-soluble (vitamin C and uric acid) and lipophilic (vitamin E, vitamin A, carotenoids including lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α- and β-carotene) antioxidant micronutrients as well as levels of biomarkers of lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and of protein oxidation [immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels of protein carbonyls and dityrosine] in patients and controls. With the exception of β-carotene, all antioxidants were lower in demented patients as compared to controls. Furthermore, AD patients showed a significantly higher IgG dityrosine content as compared to controls. AD and VaD patients showed similar plasma levels of plasma antioxidants and MDA as well as a similar IgG content of protein carbonyls and dityrosine. We conclude that, independent of its nature – vascular or degenerative – dementia is associated with the depletion of a large spectrum of antioxidant micronutrients and with increased protein oxidative modification. This might be relevant to the pathophysiology of dementing disorders, particularly in light of the recently suggested importance of the vascular component in AD development.
Proteomic Analysis of Putative Latex Allergens
Authors: Yagami Takeshi , Haishima Yuji , Tsuchiya Toshie , Tomitaka-Yagami Akiko , Kano Hisao , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: July 2004

Background: Extensive analysis of allergenic proteins is generally time-consuming and labor-intensive. Accordingly, a rapid and easy procedure for allergen identification is required. As sequence information on proteins and genes is accumulated in databases, it is becoming easier to identify a candidate protein using proteomic strategies, i.e. two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, site-specific fragmentation, mass spectrometry and then database search. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of a proteomic strategy for identifying putative allergens through its application to latex proteins. Methods: Latex proteins were separated with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and putative allergens were visualized by IgE immunoblotting using pooled serum from latex-sensitive patients. The IgE-interactive proteins were cut out from the negatively stained two-dimensional gel and subjected to in-gel digestion by trypsin. Then the resulting peptides were analyzed with mass spectrometry. Based on the mass spectrometric data we obtained, the allergen candidates were assigned by a database search. Results: Five previously reported allergens and five new allergen candidates were identified with the proteomic approach without isolating the individual proteins. Less than 1 mg of crude latex protein was sufficient for the entire protocol. Because plural proteins can be processed in parallel, analysis of about 50 IgE-interactive proteins was accomplished within 1 week. Conclusions: Analysis of putative allergens with proteomic strategies (allergenomics) is a promising avenue for rapid and exhaustive research. The high resolving power of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis is superior to conventional gel electrophoresis. Moreover, the notable sensitivity and speed of mass spectrometry have pronounced advantages over the N-terminal sequencing that has generally been used for protein identification.
Isodon japonicus Decreases Immediate-Type Allergic Reaction and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Production
Authors: Shin Tae-Yong , Kim Sang-Hyun , Choi Cheol-Hee , Shin Hye-Young , Kim Hyung-Min
Published: July 2004

Background: The immediate-type allergic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The discovery of drugs for the treatment of immediate-type allergic disease is a very important subject in human health. Isodon japonicus Hara (Labiatae) (IJAE) has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine in Korea and is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, its specific mechanism of action is still unknown. In this report, we investigated the effect of IJAE on the immediate-type allergic reaction and studied its possible mechanisms of action, focusing on the mast cell-mediated allergic reaction. Methods: IJAE extracts were anally administered to mice for high and fast absorption. Compound 48/80-induced mortality and compound 48/80- or immunoglobulin E (IgE)-induced histamine release were measured to evaluate the antiallergic effects of IJAE. The effect of IJAE on the model of local allergic reaction in vivo, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), was investigated. The production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was measured by Western blotting. Results: IJAE inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic reactions and plasma histamine release in mice. IJAE decreased the PCA reaction activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody. IJAE dose-dependently reduced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Furthermore, IJAE decreased the production of TNF-α in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated human mast cells. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence that IJAE inhibits mast cell-derived immediate-type allergic reactions, and also demonstrate the involvement of TNF-α in these effects. We propose the clinical use of IJAE in mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic diseases.
Sputum Levels of Reduced Glutathione Increase 24 Hours after Allergen Challenge in Isolated Early, but Not Dual Asthmatic Responders
Authors: Beier Jutta , Beeh Kai Michael , Semmler David , Buhl Roland
Published: July 2004

Background: The pathogenesis of late asthmatic reactions after allergen challenge in contrast to isolated early responses is incompletely understood. Recently, the antioxidant glutathione and endogenous nitrosothiols were shown to protect against bronchoconstriction. We compared reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and nitrosothiols in induced sputum following allergen challenge in mild asthmatics with isolated early (EAR) and dual early and late (LAR) asthmatic responses. Methods: Exhaled nitric oxide, sputum cells and sputum supernatant concentrations of GSH, GSSG and nitrosothiols were quantified 2–5 days prior to and 24 h after allergen challenge in 24 mild asthmatics (12 EAR, 12 LAR, only beta-agonists prn). Results: There were no differences at baseline between EAR and LAR asthmatics for any of the parameters (p > 0.1, all comparisons). Mean ± SD fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s, expressed as the percentage decrease compared to the baseline value, between 3 and 8 h after allergen challenge was 1 ± 5% in the group of patients without LAR vs. 24.9 ± 8.7% in the group of patients with LAR (p < 0.001). Sputum eosinophils increased in both groups (p < 0.05, both comparisons), whereas neutrophils only increased in LAR subjects (p = 0.06 vs. EAR). In contrast, GSH was significantly increased 24 h after challenge only in EAR asthmatics [geometric mean with 95% confidence intervals: before: 3.3 µM (1.25–7.9 µM), after: 5.9 µM (2.7–12.9 µM), p = 0.05; mean difference vs. LAR subjects: 6 µM (0.1–12 µM), p = 0.048], and the proportion of GSSG was positively correlated with postallergen eosinophils in all patients (rho = 0.4, p = 0.05). There was no change in nitrosothiols after 24 h in either EAR or LAR subjects (p > 0.23, all comparisons). Conclusions: GSH increases 24 h after allergen challenge in isolated early responders. These data suggest that different adoptive responses to allergen may result in different physiologic phenotypes. Further studies on the role of glutathione in allergen-induced bronchoconstriction are clearly warranted.
A Case of Peanut Cross-Allergy to Lupine Flour in a Hot Dog Bread
Authors: Fæste Christiane K. , Løvik Martinus , Wiker Harald G. , Egaas Eliann
Published: July 2004

Background: In a case monitored by the Norwegian National Register for Severe Allergic Reactions to Food, a patient with peanut allergy experienced an allergic reaction after eating a particular brand of hot dog bread. The aim of this study was to identify the eliciting allergen. Methods: Extracts from the hot dog bread and reference material from peanut, lupine and lupine-fortified food products were analysed by immunochemical methods with patient serum and a new polyclonal anti-lupine antibody. Results: Evidence could be provided that the hot dog bread contained proteins from lupine but not from peanut. Conclusion: Crossed peanut-lupine allergy can have clinical significance. A peanut-allergic patient reacted against hidden lupine protein in a hot dog bread. Presented with our results, the producer confirmed the use of lupine flour and changed the ingredient list.