bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serological and Vaccination Profile of Hemodialysis Patients during an Outbreak of Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Lewis-Ximenez L.L. , Oliveira J.M. , Mercadante L.A.C. , De Castro L. , Santa Catharina W. , Stuver S. , Yoshida C.F.T.
Published: April 2003

During an outbreak of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a hemodialysis unit, patients were assessed for serological viral markers and vaccination status. HBV infection was identified in 26 patients. Twenty of these were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and 6 were negative for HBsAg but positive for IgM antibody to hepatitis B core (anti-HBc) and HBV DNA. The primary source of infection was not clearly identified, although 2 patients were suspected to be the index cases. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed low anti-HBs titers and vaccination status to be independently associated with the risk of acquiring HBV infection. Both the high prevalence of HBV infection (31%) detected in this unit and the low vaccine response (53%) observed reinforce the importance of universal and preventive measures in controlling HBV infection. The detection of HBV DNA in HBsAg-negative/IgM anti-HBc-positive patients emphasizes the value of anti-HBc testing in the routine screening of HBV in hemodialysis units.
Cell Proliferation/Cell Death Balance in Renal Cell Cultures after Exposure to a Static Magnetic Field
Authors: Buemi Michele , Marino Demetrio , Di Pasquale Giuseppe , Floccari Fulvio , Senatore Massimino , Aloisi Carmela , Grasso Filippo , Mondio Guglielmo , Perillo Paolo , Frisina Nicola , Corica Francesco
Published: April 2003

The effect of a static magnetic field (MF) of 0.5 mT of intensity on the cell proliferation/cell death balance was investigated in renal cells (VERO) and cortical astrocyte cultures from rats. Magnetic stimulation was delivered by magnetic disks at known intensities. The percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cells was evaluated using flow cytometry and morphological analysis following Hoechst chromatin staining. An index of cell proliferation was determined using sulfonated tetrazolium (WST-1). Control cultures were prepared without exposure to MFs. After 2, 4 and 6 days of exposure to a MF, we observed a gradual decrease in apoptosis and proliferation and a gradual increase in cells with a necrotic morphology with respect to the control group. In astrocyte cultures, over a 6-day exposure period. A gradual increase was observed in apoptotic, proliferating, and necrotic cells. Our findings suggest that the effect of exposure to MFs varies, depending on the cell type; MFs may also have a nephropathogenic effect.
Significance of ACE Genotypes and Medical Treatments in Childhood Focal Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Hori Chikahide , Hiraoka Masahiro , Yoshikawa Norishige , Tsuzuki Kazuo , Yoshida Yoshiyuki , Yoshioka Kazuo , Fujisawa Kazuo , Tsukahara Hurokazu , Ohshima Yusei , Mayumi Mitsufumi
Published: April 2003

Backtround: There is little information on the significance of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotypes and medical treatments in children with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was performed on the role of ACE genotypes and medical treatments in 43 Japanese children with FSGS (20 males and 23 females), including 17 children who progressed to end-stage renal failure during the mean observation period of 6.9 ± (SD) 5.0 years. Results: The incidence of the D allele of the ACE gene was higher in the whole group of 43 children with FSGS and in a subgroup of 28 steroid-resistant FSGS children (p < 0.05) than in the 130 children of the healthy control group (0.48, 0.48, and 0.33, respectively). ACE genotypes did not affect renal survival in the whole FSGS group nor in the steroid-resistant subgroup. Among the 28 steroid-resistant children, treatment with ciclosporin was effective in delaying the development of end-stage renal failure (p = 0.044), independently of other treatment regimens. Conclusion: The present study of Japanese children with FSGS showed that the D allele of the ACE gene is associated with the development of FSGS, but not associated with the progression of FSGS which was greatly ameliorated with ciclosporin, irrespective of ACE genotypes.
Long-Term Outcome after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure with and without Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Matzkies Fritz K. , Reinecke Holger , Regetmeier Andrea , Breithardt Günter , Kerber Sebastian , Hohage Helge , Schaefer Roland M.
Published: April 2003

Objective: Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in patients on maintenance hemodialysis leads to high rates of restenosis and postinterventional complications. The additional influence of diabetes mellitus on the results of PTCA in patients with diabetic nephropathy and reduced but sufficient renal function has not been investigated before. Methods: In a retrospective case-control study, 51 patients with reduced renal function were compared to 71 matched controls. Patients with elevated creatinine values were divided in two subgroups: diabetic nephropathy (diabetes, n = 15) and stable renal insufficiency (renal failure, n = 36). Results: The control group had normal renal function (creatinine: 1.0 ± 0.01) and a mean survival time of 3.6 ± 0.8 years. Patients with renal failure showed a mean survival time of 2.7 ± 0.3 years (p < 0.001), creatinine values of 2.0 ± 0.2 and elevated fibrinogen values of 401 ± 28 (p < 0.01). Patients with diabetes (creatinine: 2.2 ± 0.2) had a significantly higher mortality rate with a reduced mean survival time of 1.25 ± 0.3 years (p < 0.001), postinterventional acute renal failure (n = 2, p < 0.01) and Re-PTCA (n = 2, p < 0.05). Discussion: Patients with reduced but stable renal function showed a higher mortality than comparable patients from the control group. The group of patients with diabetic nephropathy has a poor prognosis after PTCA even though renal function was only moderately reduced.
The Hematocrit-Corrected Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Can Be Useful in Diagnosing Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Borawski Jacek , Myśliwiec Michał
Published: April 2003

Background/Aims: We aimed to determine predictors of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and the ESR level pointing to the presence of inflammation in 60 chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods/Results: On bivariate analysis, increased Westergren ESR of 62 (4–160) mm/h correlated inversely with hematocrit (Hct) and serum albumin, and positively with age, plasma fibrinogen, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), immunoglobulins A and G, α1-acid-glycoprotein and α1-antitrypsin. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors of the ESR were raised CRP (p < 0.0001), low Hct (p < 0.0001), increased fibrinogen (p < 0.0001) and immunoglobulin A (p = 0.009), and older age (p = 0.015). The Hct-corrected ESR level [ESR × (Hct/45)] of 38 (4–91) mm/h was independently predicted by CRP (p < 0.0001), fibrinogen (p < 0.0001), and age (p = 0.001). In the patients with normal CRP and albumin, the Hct-corrected ESR value was normal (23 mm/h) and lower than that of 59 mm/h in the subjects with elevated CRP and hypoalbuminemia. Using these cut-off points, the positive and negative predictive values of the Hct-corrected ESR on the presence of inflammation were 1.0, and its sensitivity and specificity were 100%. Conclusion: Increased Westergren ESR in HD patients is associated with activated acute-phase response, anemia, and aging. The Hct-corrected ESR values of 23 and 59 mm/h precisely select the HD patients with severe inflammation from those without.
Relationship between Mast Cells in the Tubulointerstitium and Prognosis of Patients with IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Kurusu Atushi , Suzuki Yusuke , Horikoshi Satoshi , Shirato Isao , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: April 2003

There have been a few reports suggesting that mast cells may play an important role in the development of fibrosis and/or the degradation of extracellular matrix. We examined the relationship between the number of distribution of mast cells in tubulointerstitium and prognosis of patients with IgA nephropathy. Renal biopsy specimens were stained with mouse monoclonal antihuman mast cell tryptase antibody and then with aniline blue. Specimens from 45 patients with IgA nephropathy and from 5 patients with minimal-change nephrotic syndrome were used. There was a significant correlation between the number of mast cells per unit area of the whole tubulointerstitium and the degree of tubulointerstitial fibrosis or renal function. Patients with IgA nephropathy were divided into two groups (group 1: ‘minimal’ and ‘slight’; group 2: ‘moderate’ and ‘advanced’) according to the classification by a previously reported method. Mast cells were mainly observed in the fibrotic areas in group 1. In group 2, many mast cells were detected not only in the fibrotic but also in the nonfibrotic areas. It appears that the number of mast cells in the nonfibrotic areas may be one of the predictive factors for the prognosis of patients with IgA nephropathy.
Hypoxia/Ischemia Depletes the Rat Perinatal Subventricular Zone of Oligodendrocyte Progenitors and Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Levison Steven W. , Rothstein Raymond P. , Romanko Michael J. , Snyder Matthew J. , Meyers Roland L. , Vannucci Susan J.
Published: April 2003

Cerebral hypoxia/ischemia of the newborn has a frequency of 4/1,000 births and remains a major cause of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and mental retardation. Despite progress in understanding the pathogenesis of hypoxic-ischemic injury, the data are incomplete regarding the mechanisms leading to permanent brain injury. Here we tested the hypothesis that cerebral hypoxia/ischemia damages stem/progenitor cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ), resulting in a permanent depletion of oligodendrocytes. We used a widely accepted rat model and examined animals at recovery intervals ranging from 4 h to 3 weeks. Within hours after the hypoxic-ischemic insult 20% of the total cells were deleted from the SVZ. The residual damaged cells appeared necrotic. During 48 h of recovery deaths accumulated; however, these later deaths were predominantly apoptotic. Many apoptotic SVZ cells stained with a marker for immature oligodendrocytes. At 3 weeks survival, the SVZ was smaller and markedly less cellular, and it contained less than 1/4 the normal complement of neural stem cells. The corresponding subcortical white matter was dysmyelinated, relatively devoid of oligodendrocytes and enriched in astrocytes. We conclude that neural stem cells and oligodendrocyte progenitors in the SVZ are vulnerable to hypoxia/ischemia. Consequently, the developmental production of oligodendrocytes is compromised and regeneration of damaged white matter oligodendrocytes does not occur resulting in failed regeneration of CNS myelin in periventricular loci. The resulting dysgenesis of the brain that occurs subsequent to perinatal hypoxic/ischemic injury may contribute to the cognitive and motor dysfunction that results from asphyxia of the newborn.
Enacting Stories, Seeing Worlds: Similarities and Differences in the Cross-Cultural Narrative Development of Linguistically Isolated Deaf Children
Authors: van Deusen-Phillips Sarah B. , Goldin-Meadow Susan , Miller Peggy J.
Published: April 2003

The stories that children hear not only offer them a model for how to tell stories, but they also serve as a window into their cultural worlds. What would happen if a child were unable to hear what surrounds them? Would such children have any sense that events can be narrated and, if so, would they narrate those events in a culturally appropriate manner? To explore this question, we examined children who did not have access to conventional language – deaf children whose profound hearing deficits prevented them from acquiring the language spoken around them, and whose hearing parents had not yet exposed them to a conventional sign language. We observed 8 deaf children of hearing parents in two cultures, 4 European-American children from either Chicago or Philadelphia, and 4 Taiwanese children from Taipei, all of whom invented gesture systems to communicate. All 8 children used their gestures to recount stories, and those gestured stories were of the same types, and of the same structure, as those told by hearing children. Moreover, the deaf children seemed to produce culturally specific narrations despite their lack of a verbal language model, suggesting that these particular messages are so central to the culture as to be instantiated in nonverbal as well as verbal practices.
Evidence for Functional Partitioning of the Rabbit Digastric Muscle
Authors: Tsuruyama K. , Scott G. , Widmer C.G. , Lund J.P.
Published: April 2003

The rabbit digastric muscle has a single belly that opens and retracts the mandible. It does not contain connective tissue partitions, and all fibers arise from the same tendon and insert into a single broad site. Historically, it was assumed that the muscle functioned as a single unit. Since we had preliminary evidence that this might not be the case, we carried out five small studies in rabbits. First, we showed that electromyographic (EMG) activity varies between recording sites within the muscle during the masticatory cycle induced by repetitive stimulation of the sensorimotor cortex. We found that EMG activity in the caudal region sometimes began before the anterior EMG during mastication when the jaw swung to the side of the muscle, but the two regions became active at the same time during other patterns. We next showed that separate branches of the mylohyoid nerve enter the anterior, intermediate and caudal regions of the digastric. However, a separate study showed that the motor endplates were distributed across a continuous sheet, consistent with a single anatomical partition. We then stimulated single nerve branches to deplete glycogen. By comparing the optical density of fibers labeled by the periodic acid-Schiff method for glycogen, we were able to show that the three branches innervate separate regions of the muscle. Finally, we applied either FluoroGold or Fast Blue dyes to the central cut ends of the branches to label the cell bodies of the three pools of motoneurons. These were found within the middle and caudal thirds of the trigeminal motor nucleus, but there appeared to be no spatial separation of the three pools or double labeling of cells. We conclude that the digastric muscle contains two and possibly three functional subregions. The fact that the motoneurons are intermingled suggests that the distribution of motor commands to the three pools is not based on their location.
Anthropometric Analysis of the Nose in the Japanese
Authors: Mishima Katsuaki , Mori Yoshihide , Yamada Tomohiro , Sugahara Toshio
Published: April 2003

To quantify the shape of cleft lip noses and to evaluate the outcome following rhinoplasty objectively, a three-dimensional measuring system for the nasal shape was developed using a contact-type measuring apparatus. In this system, the surface data for a face could be obtained accurately, and facial landmarks could be identified semiautomatically. A new method for evaluating the nasal shape, which regards the nose as a polyhedron constructed of triangles which consist of facial landmarks, has been subsequently devised. Facial plaster models of 129 Japanese volunteers, 61 men and 68 women, were made. The nasal shapes were characterized by linear and angular measurements using semiautomatically identified landmarks, and the new polyhedral system of measurement was applied. The polyhedron was constructed of 10 triangular planes each consisting of three landmarks. The normal vector of each plane was calculated, and the angles described by these normal vectors were calculated. Consequently, the nasal shapes of males and females were characterized as follows: (1) the proportion of the size of the nasal ala to that of the nasal dorsum was larger in males than in females; (2) a more outward projection of the nasal ala was observed in males than in females; (3) the so-called ‘nasal tip angle’ was more acute in males than in females; (4) the transitional area from the nasal dorsum to the face was steeper in females than in males; (5) the upper compartments of the nasal ala were steeper in females than in males.
Renal Effects of COX-2-Selective Inhibitors
Authors: Brater D. Craig , Harris Cynthia , Redfern Jan S. , Gertz Barry J.
Published: April 2003

Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) effectively treat a variety of inflammatory diseases, these agents may cause deleterious effects on kidney function, especially with respect to solute homeostasis and maintenance of renal perfusion and glomerular filtration. NSAIDs act by reducing prostaglandin biosynthesis through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) which exists as two isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2). NSAID-induced gastrointestinal toxicity is generally believed to occur through blockade of COX-1 activity, whereas the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs are thought to occur primarily through inhibition of the inducible isoform, COX-2. However, the situation in the kidney may be somewhat different. Recent studies have demonstrated that COX-2 is constitutively expressed in renal tissues of all species; this isoform may, therefore, be intimately involved in prostaglandin-dependent renal homeostatic processes. Drugs that selectively inhibit COX-2 might, therefore, be expected to produce effects on renal function similar to nonselective NSAIDs which inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2. This assertion is borne out by recent clinical studies showing that the COX-2 inhibitors rofecoxib and celecoxib procedure qualitative changes in urinary prostaglandin excretion, glomerular filtration rate, sodium retention, and their consequences similar to nonselective NSAIDs. It, therefore, seems unlikely that these COX-2 inhibitors (and perhaps their successors) will offer renal safety benefits over nonselective NSAID therapies, and, at this juncture, it is reasonable to assume that all NSAIDs, including COX-2-selective inhibitors, share a similar risk for adverse renal effects.
Adult-Onset Minimal Change Disease among Taiwanese
Authors: Huang Jeng-Jong , Hsu Sun-Chieh , Chen Fen-Fen , Sung Junne-Ming , Tseng Chin-Chung , Wang Ming-Cheng
Published: April 2003

There are some racial differences in the prevalence and prognosis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome; however, reports about minimal change disease (MCD) in Chinese were rare. We retrospectively analyzed 123 Chinese adults with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, who received percutaneous renal biopsy in our institution within the last 10 years. In total, 46 patients (37.4%) were compatible with the pathological diagnosis of MCD. The male to female ratio was 1.2:1. The mean age of onset was 30.9 years, and 80% of the patients with MCD were less than 40 years. The mean daily proteinuria was 10.2 g, and serum albumin was 1.8 mg/dl. Azotemia occurred in 16 (35%) of 46 cases; hypertension, 13%; and microscopic hematuria, 13%. High selectivity index for proteinuria (SI <0.1) was noted in 12 (39%) of 31 cases; and high IgE level was found in 83.7% of the study subjects, although only one case had allergic history. Complete remission in 36 MCD patients treated with corticosteroid was achieved by 42% (15/36), 80% (29/36), and 94% (34/36) within 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively. The time interval to remission was similar between the younger group (<40 years old, 1.7 months) and older group (>40 years old, 1.6 months). Nineteen (56%) of 34 cases with steroid response did not relapse, and the other cases (44%) had a mean relapse rate of 1.5 times per patient within a period of 45 months. The age of onset in MCD cases was not significantly correlated with steroid-responsive rate, and the time interval to remission. However, a tendency existed between the onset in the young age and the sequentially relapsing rate (p = 0.06). Two cases with primary steroid resistance and 5 cases with frequent relapse or steroid dependence responded well to intravenous pulse therapy of cyclophosphamide, except one refractory case. No thrombotic episode was ever noted in our group. Regarding infectious complications, primary peritonitis occurred in one, pneumonia in one, and cellulitis in 6 cases during active nephrotic stage. Two mortality cases, one with E. coli-related necrotizing fasciitis and one from pneumonia, were noted. In brief, compared with children, adult patients with MCD had lesser high selectivity index for proteinuria, the same steroid-responsive rate (94%), but slower response, and significantly lesser relapsing rate. The intravenous pulse therapy of cyclophosphamide may be an alternative regimen for adult patients with steroid resistance or dependency. In addition, the Asian adult-onset MCD had younger age, male predominance, and lesser relapsing rate in comparison to those of the Western population.
Incidence of Stroke among Chronic Hemodialysis Patients with Nonrheumatic Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wiesholzer Martin , Harm Ferdinand , Tomasec Goran , Barbieri Gabriele , Putz Dinah , Balcke Peter
Published: April 2003

In general, nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation is associated with a high risk of stroke. However, its impact on stroke in the setting of chronic hemodialysis treatment is insufficiently addressed in the literature. We assessed the incidence of stroke among 430 chronic hemodialysis patients and the impact of atrial fibrillation and various other potential risk factors on stroke in a retrospective study covering 1,111.16 patient-years. The overall incidence of stroke was 3.78/100 patient-years. Among patients with chronic atrial fibrillation without any antithrombotic therapy besides regular dialysis anticoagulation, the stroke incidence was 1.0/100 patient-years and did not differ statistically significantly from the rate among patients without this arrhythmia, in whom the incidence was 2.8/100 patient-years (p = 0.220). Conversely, the overall rate of stroke incidence per 100 patient-years was statistically significantly higher in patients with diabetic nephropathy (6.46, p = 0.0036), age >65 years (5.90, p = 0.0001), moderate to severe hypertension (6.8, p = 0.0017), weight gain of >2 kg between dialyses as a marker of poor patient compliance (6.47, p = 0.0433), and antithrombotic therapy with salicylates or warfarin (8.33, p = 0.0002), as compared with corresponding groups without these risk factors. Our data suggest that in contrast to other risk factors nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation in itself is not associated with an increased risk of stroke in patients on maintenance hemodialysis treatment.
Oxalate-Induced Redistribution of Phosphatidylserine in Renal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Cao Lu-Cheng , Jonassen Julie , Honeyman Thomas W. , Scheid Cheryl
Published: April 2003

Aims: The present studies assessed the possibility that exposure to oxalate leads to alterations in membrane structure that promote crystal binding to renal epithelial cells. Specifically, we determined whether oxalate exposure produces a redistribution of membrane phosphatidylserine (PS) and an increase in the binding of 14C-oxalate crystals to renal epithelial cells. Methods: PS distribution was monitored in MDCK cells and in phospholipid-containing vesicles using NBD-PS, a fluorescent derivative of PS. Superfical PS was also detected by monitoring the binding of annexin V to MDCK cells. Results: Oxalate exposure rapidly increased the abundance of superficial NBD-PS and increased the binding of annexin V to MDCK cells. Oxalate exposure also increased PS at the surface of phospholipid vesicles, suggesting that oxalate may interact directly with PS. The oxalate concentrations that increased superficial PS also increased binding of 14C-oxalate crystals to MDCK cells, and the increased crystal binding was blocked by annexin V. Conclusions: These findings provide direct evidence that oxalate exposure promotes both a redistribution of PS and an increase in crystal binding in renal epithelial cells and support the notion that oxalate toxicity may contribute to the development of stone disease by altering the properties of the renal epithelial cell membrane.
Life-Threatening Hyperkalemia after Intravenous Labetolol Injection for Hypertensive Emergency in a Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Hamad A. , Salameh M. , Zihlif M. , Feinfeld D.A. , Carvounis C.P.
Published: April 2003

Intravenous labetolol, a nonselective α- and β-blocking drug, is commonly used to treat severe hypertension. Nonselective β-blockers can cause hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal failure. One series reported 3 renal transplant patients who had hyperkalemia after labetolol infusion, but none of these patients developed any serious complication. We report a case of life-threatening hyperkalemia (serum [K+] 9.9 mEq/l) with ventricular tachycardia and hypotension in a patient on maintenance hemodialysis who received labetolol for a hypertensive emergency. Physicians should be aware of this potentially lethal complication, which is easily preventable.
Urine Volume: Stone Risk Factor and Preventive Measure
Authors: Borghi Loris , Meschi Tiziana , Schianchi Tania , Briganti Angelo , Guerra Angela , Allegri Franca , Novarini Almerico
Published: April 2003

Background: A high fluid intake is the oldest existing treatment for kidney stones, and, up until a few decades ago, it was the only preventive measure at the physician’s disposal for stone recurrences. Methods: Using the data available in literature and partly unpublished personal research, we examine the role of urine volume as a stone risk factor, its impact on calcium crystallization mechanisms and its real importance as a means of prevention. Results: To sum up, the most important findings are: (1) a low urine volume must be considered as a real risk factor, both as regards the onset of renal calculi and stone relapses; (2) an increase in urine volume induced by a high water intake produces favourable effects on the crystallization of calcium oxalate and does not reduce the activity of natural inhibitors; (3) a sufficiently high intake of water and probably other fluids such as coffee, tea, beer and wine has a preventive effect on nephrolithiasis and its recurrence, and (4) the role of fruit juice is still to be defined. Conclusions: A high intake of fluids, especially water, is still the most powerful and certainly the most economical means of prevention of nephrolithiasis, and it is often not used to advantage by stone formers.
Medical Prevention of Renal Stone Disease
Authors: Pak CharlesY.C.
Published: April 2003

Medical treatment designed to prevent stone formation is important in idiopathic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis, because of the high rate of stone recurrence. Several randomized trials have established the values of conservative and drug treatments. A high fluid intake alone has been reported to inhibit the recurrence of stone formation in single stone formers. In patients with recurrent disease, a significant reduction in stone formation rate from pretreatment was found in the placebo group maintained on a conservative program, underscoring the importance of increased fluid intake and dietary modification. In patients with active recurrent stone disease, treatment with drugs along with a conservative program is necessary. Allopurinol, thiazide, potassium citrate and potassium-magnesium citrate have been shown to inhibit stone formation compared with placebo. It has not been clearly established that a selective treatment is more effective than a more randomly chosen drug treatment. Another advantage of medical approach is its ability to correct nonrenal complications of stone disease, such as bone loss that sometimes accompanies stone disease.
Risk Factors for IgA Nephropathy: A Case-Control Study with Incident Cases in Japan
Authors: Wakai Kenji , Nakai Shigeru , Matsuo Seiichi , Kawamura Takashi , Hotta Nigishi , Maeda Kenji , Ohno Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2003

Background/Aim: Our previous study with prevalent cases suggested that some genetic, immunological and lifestyle-related factors increased the risk of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). To confirm this hypothesis, we conducted another case-control study. Methods: The study included 116 incident cases and 276 sex-, age- and residence-matched controls in central Japan. Information on family and individual history and on lifestyle was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The strength of association between IgAN and a potential risk factor was assessed by calculating an odds ratio. Results: A family history of chronic glomerulonephritis, susceptibility to the common cold, episodes of tonsillitis in the preceding year, preference for salty foods and a high intake of rice and n–6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were associated with an increased risk of IgAN. Coffee consumption and dietary calcium intake were somewhat negatively related to the risk. A significance of alcohol drinking, use of vitamin supplements, consumption of raw eggs and intake of nutrients other than n–6 PUFA and calcium, though previously suggested, was not shown in the present study. Conclusion: Our findings imply that some genetic factors, immune response to infections in the upper respiratory tract and nutritional imbalance would promote the development of IgAN.
Effects of Chronic Intake of Vegetable Protein Added to Animal or Fish Protein on Renal Hemodynamics
Authors: Kitazato Hiroji , Fujita Hiroki , Shimotomai Takashi , Kagaya Eri , Narita Takuma , Kakei Masafumi , Ito Seiki
Published: April 2003

Background/Aims: To examine whether chronic intake of vegetable protein added to animal protein diet affects renal hemodynamics or not, we studied effects of three kinds of diets containing various amounts of animal and vegetable protein with 1-week dietary program in each on renal hemodynamics. Methods: The crossover design of different amounts of vegetable protein added to the constant amount of animal protein was applied to two groups of 7 healthy individuals after the control dietary program. Renal function and 24 hours’ urinary albumin excretion rate (AER) were examined on every 7th day of three consecutive 1-week dietary programs. Results: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR; sodium thiosulphate clearance) and renal plasma flow (RPF) significantly decreased after decreasing the intake of animal protein by one third with keeping the amount of vegetable protein constant. The results when substituting vegetable protein for some of the animal protein in the diet without changing the total amount of protein were identical. The filtration fraction and AER did not change over the study periods regardless of dietary composition. Conclusion: The lack of an effect a 1-week intake of vegetable protein added to animal protein on GFR and RPF suggests that vegetable protein may be excluded from lists of restriction in low protein diet therapy in patients with renal insufficiency.
Electron-Microscopic Detection of Cytoskeletal Actin in the Epithelial Cells of Bovine Abomasum
Authors: Sommer U. , Kressin M. , Schnorr B.
Published: April 2003

The fine structural distribution of cytoskeletal actin was investigated in the oxyntic gland region and in the pyloric gland region of bovine abomasal mucosa using immunoelectron methods. In all exocrine cell types of the gastric epithelium, actin filaments exhibit a polarized pattern of distribution. In the members of the mucus- and protein-synthesizing cell line, the actin filaments form a prominent barrier to the exocytosis of secretory granules underneath the apical membrane. Therefore, actin is supposed to be involved in the control of exocytosis. The basolateral subplasmalemmal cortex of the exocrine cells, however, shows weaker labeling for actin filaments. In this position actin might be responsible for the movement of epithelial cells along the length of the gastric gland during physiological cell renewal and for the maintenance of the integrity of the epithelial unit and of cell polarization. In parietal cells of bovine abomasum, actin filaments are, in addition, associated with the intracellular canaliculus, but not with the tubulovesicular compartment. We assume that actin filaments reorganize the canalicular membrane after membrane translocations in the course of acid secretion. For the first time, actin filaments were documented in the rare brush cell type of bovine abomasum, where they do not form a terminal web beneath the apical membrane and therefore point out the nonexocrine function of the brush cell type. In all polarized cells of the bovine abomasum, actin filaments underlay the two apical members of the junctional complex, the tight junction and the adherens junction, where they might be involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, cell motility and cell shape determination.
Adrenal Microvascularization in the Common Tree Shrew (Tupaia glis) as Revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy of Vascular Corrosion Casts
Authors: Thongpila S. , Rojananeungnit S. , Chunhabundit P. , Cherdchu C. , Samritthong A. , Somana R.
Published: April 2003

The blood supply of the adrenal gland in the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis) was studied by use of transmission electron microscopy and vascular corrosion cast/scanning electron microscopy techniques. It was found that the gland receives its blood supply from branches of the inferior phrenic, aorta and renal arteries. Upon reaching the gland, these arteries divide into cortical and medullary arteries. The cortical arteries give rise to the subcapsular capillary plexuses which partially enclose the clusters of cells in the zona glomerulosa (ZG) and appear as lobular-like microvascular networks before running among the cellular cords in the zona fasciculata (ZF) and zona reticularis (ZR). It was noted that the capillaries in ZG and ZR are with more anastomoses than those in the ZF. Capillaries from the ZR become the sinusoidal capillaries in the adrenal medulla before proceeding to the peripheral radicles of the central vein. The medullary arteries penetrate the adrenal cortex and occasionally give off small branches to supply the inner cortex, especially the ZR. Their main branches break up into small or conventional capillaries in the adrenal medulla. These capillaries drain the blood into the peripheral radicles of the central vein and medullary collecting veins which proceed further into a very large central vein. The present findings illustrate that the adrenal medulla receives two blood supplies that yield somewhat different influences upon the adrenal medulla. The portal blood vessel could not be illustrated in the tree shrew adrenal gland.
Animal Lectins as Cell Adhesion Molecules
Authors: Kaltner H. , Stierstorfer B.
Published: April 2003

Protein-carbohydrate interaction is exploited in cell adhesion mechanisms besides the recognition of peptide motifs. The sugar code thus significantly contributes to the intriguing specificity of cellular selection of binding partners. Focusing on two classes of lectins (selectins and galectins), it is evident that their functionality for mediation of adhesive contacts is becoming increasingly appreciated, as is the integration of this type of interaction with other recognition modes to yield the noted specificity. The initial contact formation between leukocytes and activated endothelium makes use of selectins to guide lymphocyte trafficking. In addition to the three selectins which bind a distinct array of ligands, galectin-1 and galectin-3 and possibly other members of this family are involved in cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions. This review summarizes structural and functional aspects of these two classes of endogenous lectins relevant for cell adhesion.
Protein-Carbohydrate Interactions during Fertilization
Authors: Sinowatz F. , Plendl J. , Kölle S.
Published: April 2003

Interaction between gametes during fertilization is at least in part regulated by carbohydrate moieties of the zona pellucida (ZP) and carbohydrate binding proteins of the sperm surface. This review focuses on the protein-carbohydrate interactions during the primary binding of the sperm to the ZP in different species. Synthesis, structure and composition of the ZP are summarized. The functional significance of carbohydrate residues of the ZP as sperm receptor is discussed. Sperm surface proteins known to have specific ZP and carbohydrate-binding sites including the mouse β1,4-galactosyltransferase and sp56, the rabbit protein Sp17, a human mannose-binding protein and several members of the spermadhesin family are presented.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yilmazer-Hanke D.M.
Published: April 2003

The gradual development of Alzheimer-related neurofibrillary changes and β-amyloid deposits have been investigated in the amygdala and cerebral cortex with advanced silver methods. Neurofibrillary tangles occur within the somata of nerve cells, while neuropil threads are located in nerve cell processes. In neuritic plaques, there are both neuronal processes containing neurofibrillary changes and extracellular deposits of β-amyloid protein. The amygdala early displays Alzheimer-type pathology and is typically rich in neuritic plaques. Neuritic plaques do not occur in the amygdala in the absence of neuropil threads and neurofibrillary tangles in the entorhinal region and amygdala. In contrast to the gradual increase in the number of neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads, neuritic plaques grow in size and number along with advancement in the neurofibrillary and β-amyloid pathology. The findings indicate that neuropil threads and neurofibrillary tangles in the entorhinal region and amygdala precede neuritic plaques in the amygdala, and the density of neuritic plaques is related both to the degree of neurofibrillary and β-amyloid pathology in the cerebral cortex.
Rhodopsin Mutations as the Cause of Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Bentrop J.
Published: April 2003

Insight into the molecular basis of inherited photoreceptor cell degeneration has been rapidly evolving during the last decade. The Drosophila Rh1 rhodopsin gene was the first gene shown to cause retinal degeneration when mutated. Many more degeneration-causing mutations in genes encoding rhodopsin and other photoreceptor proteins have been isolated since then in both, Drosophila and humans. To date some 70 mutations of the Drosophila Rh1 gene have been isolated, most of them have been characterized at the molecular level, and more than 60% of them cause retinal degeneration. This review lists the known Rh1 mutations that cause retinal degeneration up to April 1998, gives an overview on the ultrastructural and biochemical correlates of photoreceptor cell degeneration, and suggests a system for the classification of degeneration-causing Rh1 mutations.
Changes in Choroidal Innervation in Royal College of Surgeons Rats with Hereditary Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Rexer M. , May C.A. , Lütjen-Drecoll E.
Published: April 2003

In Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats with hereditary retinal degeneration loss of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and choriocapillaris is most pronounced in the upper-temporal quadrant. To investigate whether changes in choroidal vasodilative innervation might be involved in the RPE degeneration, we analyzed whole mount preparations of the retina and choroid stained for nitric oxide synthase and for NADPH-diaphorase (d) of 19 dystrophic RCS rats and 24 age-matched congenic controls of different age groups. Density of NADPH-d-positive nerve fibers was quantitatively evaluated in the upper-temporal and lower-nasal quadrant. Our results revealed that even in control animals there were much less positively stained nerve fibers in the upper-temporal than in the lower-nasal quadrant. Nerve fiber density in both quadrants increased for up to 3 months and remained nearly constant throughout life. In the dystrophic animals up to 3 months of age nerve fiber density was similar to that seen in the controls. In dystrophic animals older than 3 months nerve fiber density in the upper-temporal quadrant decreased significantly, whereas density in the lower-nasal quadrant revealed nearly the same values as in the age-matched controls. Decrease of NADPH-d stained nerve fibers in this quadrant occurred prior to the vascular changes in the choriocapillaris. In the retina of RCS dystrophic rats an increase of NADPH-d-positive amacrine cells was found only in 3-month-old animals. Most of these cells were located in the vicinity of irregularly arranged branches of the central retinal artery. In animals 5 months of age and older the number of cells decreased to the same values found in controls, so that we assume that increase of NADPH-d-positive amacrine cells is involved in capillary degeneration or sprouting.
Calcium-Binding Proteins and Nitric Oxide in Retinal Function and Disease
Authors: Müller F. , Koch K.W.
Published: April 2003

Regulation of phototransduction in photoreceptor cells occurs via several feedback loops. Some of these circuits involve the neuron-specific Ca2+-binding proteins recoverin and guanylyl cyclase-activating protein. Recent findings suggest that these proteins are also involved in retinal diseases. Another Ca2+-regulated process in the retina is the synthesis of nitric oxide, a substance of potential neurotoxicity. This review discusses several Ca2+-mediated processes in the retina.
A Mechanism for Anterior Transposition of the Anal Fin and Its Appendicular Support in the Western Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis affinis [Baird and Girard, 1854]
Authors: Rosa-Molinar E. , Proskocil B.J. , Hendricks S.E. , Fritzsch B.
Published: April 2003

The interosseal and suspensory ligaments of the axial and appendicular skeleton of the Western Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis affinis were investigated in whole-mounted late embryonic and adult female and male G. a. affinis stained with alcian blue and alizarin red S, cleared, and viewed using differential interference contrast. The interosseal and suspensory ligaments of late embryonic female G. a. affinis are reduced prior to sexual differentiation and continue reduced in adult females. However, in late embryonic male G. a. affinis the interosseal and suspensory ligaments are well developed prior to sexual differentiation and become robust in adult males. Treating late embryonic female G. a. affinis with either 30.0 or 40.0 µg/ diet of 17α-methyltestosterone led to the premature calcification of the hemal spine of the 13th vertebra. Treating late embryonic female G. a. affinis with 17α-methyltestosterone did not lead to the remodeling of the hemal spines of the 14th–16th vertebrae. Thus, in all female G. a. affinis treated with 17α-methyltestosterone, no anterior transposition of the anal fin and its appendicular support was observed. However, treating late embryonic male G. a. affinis with 30.0 µg/g diet of 17α-methyltestosterone led to the premature calcification of the hemal spine of the 13th vertebra, blocking the anterior transposition in only 62.5% of the males treated, and treating late embryonic male G. a. affinis with 40.0 µg/g diet of 17α-methyltestosterone led to the premature calcification of the hemal spine of the 13th vertebra, blocking the anterior transposition in all (100.0%) males treated. Treatment with either 30.0 or 40.0 µg/g diet of 17α-methyltestosterone appeared not to completely effect the interosseal and suspensory ligaments of late embryonic male G.a. affinis as evident by the male-specific remodeling of the hemal spines of the 14th–16th vertebrae. The results of this study implicate the interosseal and suspensory ligaments in the male-specific remodeling of the axial and appendicular skeletal elements. Following the resorption of the 13th hemal spine, the interosseal and suspensory ligaments in late embryonic male G. a. affinis develop enough tension to cause directional growth, bending, and elongation of the 14th–16th hemal spines, thus providing a mechanism for the anterior transposition of the sexually dimorphic anal fin and its appendicular support. The data also support the need to revise the interosseal and suspensory ligament nomenclature by assigning the designation of ‘female’ and ‘male’ to these ligaments.
An Additional Bone in the Sclera of the Eyes of Owls and the Common Potoo (Nictibius griseus) and Its Role in the Contraction of the Nictitating Membrane
Authors: Bohórquez Mahecha G.A. , Aparecida de Oliveira C.
Published: April 2003

Morphometric, anatomical and histological examinations were made in 10 species of owls of the families Tytonidae and Strigidae and compared with the eyes of other species of nocturnal birds including common potoo (Nictibiidae) and three species of nightjars (Caprimulgidae) and two diurnal species: the roadside hawk (Accipitridae) and the domestic duck (Anatidae). In owls and the common potoo the nictitating membrane is situated on the dorsal edge of the eye. In these birds, the scleral ring bears an additional, previously undescribed bone of various forms and dimensions (1.4–6.8 mm of length and 0.8–3.3 mm of width), located on the trajectory of the tendon of the pyramidal muscle which is attached to the nictitating membrane. This bone has a groove that encloses the tendon of the pyramidal muscle, preventing it from separating from the sclera during contraction, as well as diverting the trajectory of the tendon to impede it from projecting itself over the cornea. In the ferruginous pygmy owl, Nacunda nighthawk, Pauraque, scissor-tailed nightjar, roadside hawk and domestic duck the additional bone was not seen. Based on the morphofunctional characteristics of the bone, we suggest that this bone should be named the scleral sesamoid bone.
Radial Fibre Proportions in Human Knee Joint Menisci
Authors: Leslie B.W. , Gardner D.L. , Cunningham D.S. , McGeough J.A.
Published: April 2003

The proportions of medial and lateral knee joint menisci represented by radially orientated collagen (COL) were measured in 42 specimens from 24 hospital patients examined post-mortem. Images of the fibre bundles were obtained by the 488-nm laser confocal scanning of hydrated, fixed radial blocks taken from the anterior, middle and posterior regions of the menisci after staining with picro-Sirius red. Measurements of the percentage of each image occupied by fluorescent, doubly refractile COL were made by means of a Kontron IBAS image analyser, after interactive segmentation. In areas adjoining the outer, lateral parts of both the medial and lateral menisci, the proportion of all samples identified as radial COL was 7.56 ± 0.28%. The corresponding figure for areas near the inner, medial edges of the menisci was 17.80 ± 0.80%. However, no relationship was demonstrable between age and sex and meniscal radial fibre optical density, and there was no difference between the proportion of radial fibres in the anterior, middle or posterior regions.
Differences in the Iliolumbar Ligament and the Transverse Process of the L5 Vertebra in Young White and Black People
Authors: Hanson P. , Magnusson S.P. , Sorensen H. , Simonsen E.B.
Published: April 2003

The anatomy of the iliolumbar ligament (ILL) and the spatial orientation of the transverse process of the L5 vertebra were studied in 62 young black (n = 29) and white (n = 33) men and women during routine autopsy. The aim of the study was to determine possible racial differences in the structure and attachments of the iliolumbar ligament. The present study also investigated the spatial orientation of the transverse process of the L5 vertebra since the ILL has been reported to attach to the transverse process. The measurements of the iliolumbar ligament were carried out with a digital vernier caliper while the transverse process angles were measured with an adjustable protractor. The ligament in black people was made up of a single, markedly longer band compared to white people, where the ligament was made up of two shorter bands. The ILL measured 61.8 ± 1.3 mm in black and 33.2 ± 1.5 mm white men, and in black women 61.3 ± 0.9 mm versus 32.2 ± 1.2 mm in white women (p <0.01). Further, the ILL was markedly wider in black than white subjects (p <0.01). The horizontal and vertical angle also varied greatly between black and white subjects (p <0.01). These are previously unrecognized observations. Albeit unsubstantiated, these findings may have implications for understanding the etiology of various low back stress problems.