bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cortisol on the Proliferation and Protein Synthesis of Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells in Culture
Authors: Järveläinen Hannu , Halme Tapio , Rönnemaa Tapani 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. The synthesis of collagen (measured as the formation of non–dialyzable hydroxyproline) and other proteins, and the activity of lysyl oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the formation of cross–links in elastin and collagen, were measured in cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells in the presence of various Cortisol concentrations. In addition, the effect of Cortisol on the proliferation of the cells was also studied. At concentrations of 10–6M and greater, Cortisol retarded cell growth markedly, as judged by decreased incorporation of 3H–thymidine by the cells and decreased DNA content of the cultures. At the same concentrations, Cortisol increased the synthesis of collagen and other proteins. The magnitude of the increase was similar for collagen and other proteins. The activity of lysyl oxidase was also increased in the presence of 10–6and 10–5M Cortisol, but to a lesser extent than the synthesis of collagen.Other studies using cultured cells have shown that Cortisol decreases the synthesis of hyaluronic acid but not of sulphated glycosaminoglycans by smooth muscle cells and does not injure endothelial cells. Considering these findings in the light of the present results, it is suggested that Cortisol induces changes in the metabolism of connective tissue macromolecules of smooth muscle cells that can be regarded as atherogenic. However, some other important biological changes associated with atherogenesis (smooth muscle cell proliferation and endothelial injury) do not occur in vascular cells exposed to Cortisol.
Stress, Catecholamines and Beta–Blockade
Authors: Bonelli J. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. In order to investigate the effects of beta–blockade on haemodynamic response to stress, 2 groups of volunteers received either propranolol or mepindolol sulphate under basal conditions and under the stress of mental arithmetic. In control conditions, increases occurred in heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in response to calculation stress. Stress–induced increases in HR and CO were significantly reduced by propranolol. Systolic blood pressure during calculation stress under propranolol was slightly less than in control conditions. However, diastolic blood pressure under stress was higher with propranolol than in the control study. Mepindolol sulphate also reduced HR and CO under calculation stress but it produced no significant change in diastolic pressure.A significant increase in plasma adrenaline occurred under stress. The level was not altered by propranolol but was reduced to less than 50% of the untreated stress value by mepindolol.Since beta–blocking agents suppress an increase in heart rate in stressful situations but either fail to prevent or even potentiate increased diastolic pressure, their use in patients without hypertension should be reserved for those showing pathological stress reactions. They do not appear to be indicated for the management of stressful situations in general.
Metabolic effects of prenalterol in healthy volunteers
Authors: Klein G. , Wirtzfeld A. , Schmidt G. , Zilker Th. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTThe aim of our study was to ascertain the β–adrenoceptor selectivity of prenalterol in healthy volunteers by determining haemodynamic and metabolic parameters over a wide dose range. As we have shown in a previous publication, by using these parameters in healthy humans it is possible to determine the receptor selectivity of a β–adrenoceptor active substance [l].This paper only deals with the metabolic variables glucose, lactate, free fatty acids (FFA) and serum–insulin.
Haemodynamic effects of prenalterol in patients with severe congestive heart failure – NYHA lll–IV
Authors: Erbel R. , Meyer J. , Schweizer P. , Lambertz H. , Voelker W. , Effert S. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTIn 12 patients with severe congestive heart failure due to ischaemic heart disease (n=6) and due to congestive cardiomyopathy (n=6) the haemodynamic effects of a new β1–agonist, prenalterol, were studied. Left ventricular (LV) function was studied before and 20 min after infusion of 12 mg prenalterol. Heart rate was kept constant by atrial pacing at a rate of 100 min−1 unless intrinsic heart rate exceeded it.As a sign of positive inotropic support, prenalterol enhanced peak rate of LV pressure development (dP/dt) from 1160+100 mm Hg/s to 1590 ± 190 mm Hg/s (p > 0.005). In the mean LV end–diastolic and end–systolic volume determined by cineventriculography and two–dimensional echocardiography decreased. LV stroke work index measured with both methods increased with 4 ml/m2 and 5 ml/m2, respectively (p > 0.02). LV ejection fraction was improved by 6% and 8% (p > 0.005). Increase of peak fall of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt) (1050+60 mm Hg/s to 1270+100 mm Hg/s, p > 0.005) and shortening of time constant (T) of pressure fall from 64.5 ± 5.0 ms to 44.5 ± 6.0 ms (p > 0.005) demonstrated the improved LV relaxation. Analysis of LV volume and myocardial compliance revealed decrease of left ventricular stiffness. Thus, LV filling pressure was reduced from 22.1 ± 4 mm Hg to 14 ± 3.5 mm Hg (p > 0.001). Pressure volume analysis showed a significant increase of LV power and work, as well as a slight decrease of wall stress.Our study could demonstrate, even in patients with severe heart failure, a sustained positive inotropic effect of prenalterol leading to an improved left ventricular contractility, relaxation and compliance. LV power and work was enhanced. The increase of oxygen demand seemed to be counterbalanced by an improved perfusion of particularly subendocardial layers indicated by an increased transmyocardial pressure gradient.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OP SYSTOLIC. HYPERTENSION IN THE 1897‐POPULATION IN GLOSTRUP
Authors: Agner E. , Mørck H. I. 
Published: August 2010

Summary:The predictive value of a high diastolic or systolic blood pressure for presence or development of cardiovascular disease diminishes with age. In the present 10‐year prospective study of 70‐year‐olds a Cox regression analysis for competing risk markers for cardiovascular events in the eighth decade was carried out. This analysis showed that neither high diastolic nor high systolic blood pressure had individual predictive value for death from cardiovascular diseases. Concerning development of cardiovascular diseases, however, high systolic blood pressure had individual predictive value in both sexes.
Hemodynamic Effects of Verapamil in Essential Hypertension at Rest and During Exercise
Authors: Lund‐Johansen Per 
Published: August 2010

SummaryIn recent years the calcium antagonist verapamil has been used in the treatment of essential hypertension. Relatively little work has been done to elucidate its long‐term haemodynamic effects at rest and during exercise.Ten males with previously untreated essential hypertension in WHO stage I, aged 35–55 years, were studied on an outpatient basis. Oxygen consumption, heart rate, cardiac output (Cardiogreen) and intra‐arterial brachial pressure were recorded at rest in the supine and sitting position and during steady state work at 50,100 and 150 W. As expected, the hypertension was associated with an increase in total peripheral resistance.The subjects were treated with verapamil 120–240 mg daily as the sole drug for one year. The haemodynamic study was then repeated. One subject demonstrated a slight increase in blood pressure at rest and during exercise, while there was a blood pressure reduction in the other 9. The nonresponding patient was excluded from the statistical evaluation. The main results were as follows: There was a statistically significant reduction in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure at rest as well as during exercise. The reductions reached about 10% at rest, slightly less during exercise. The blood pressure reduction was associated with a statistically significant reduction in total peripheral resistance at rest only. During exercise, the reduction in resistance was modest (about 5%). The heart rate was practically unchanged during supine rest, but decreased about 8% at rest sitting and during exercise. The stroke volume was increased 11% at rest sitting (p < 0.05) and also tended to be increased during exercise, but the changes were not statistically significant. The cardiac index was practically unchanged.It is concluded that the blood‐pressure reduction induced by longterm treatment with verapamil is due to a reduction in total peripheral resistance, no significant change in cardiac index, and a slight decrease in heart rate compensated by an increase in stroke index. This haemodynamic profile differs from the haemo‐dynamic changes induced by long‐term treatment with beta‐blockers.
Four‐year Incidence of Myocardial Infarction and Sudden Coronary Death in Twelve Finnish Population Cohorts
Authors: SUHONEN OLLI , REUNANEN ANTTI , AROMAA ARPO , KNEKT PAUL , PYÖRÄLÄ KALEVI 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Suhonen O, Reunanen A, Aromaa A, Knekt P, PyÖrÄlÄ K. (Research Institute for Social Security, Social Insurance Institution, Helsinki, Finland.) Four‐year incidence of myocardial infarction and sudden coronary death in twelve Finnish population cohorts.The incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) and sudden coronary death in four years was studied in 6510 men and 5800 women, aged 30–59 years, derived from 12 Finnish population cohorts constituting the invited population to a prospective study. The incidence of all fatal coronary events in four years was 13.0/1000 in men and 1.8/1000 in women. The incidence of sudden coronary death was 7.8/1000 in men and 0.7/1000 in women. The incidence of non‐fatal MI was 22.2/1000 in men and 7.3/1000 in women. Coronary mortality was significantly higher in non‐participants in the initial survey than in participants. The incidence of MI was highest in men from eastern Finland (North Karelia), intermediate in men from central and western Finland and lowest in men from southwestern Finland. There were no significant regional differences in the incidence of MI in women. The incidence of MI in this study was in good agreement with that recorded in the myocardial community registers.
Paradoxical Esterification of Plasma Cholesterol in Fish Eye Disease
Authors: CARLSON LARS A. , HOLMQUIST LEIF 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Carlson LA, Holmquist L. (King Gustaf V Research Institute and Department of Internal Medicine, Karolinska Hospital and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.) Paradoxical esterification of plasma cholesterol in fish eye disease.The activity of lecithin: cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT), the enzyme which catalyses the esterification of human plasma cholesterol, has been measured by two independent methods in plasma from the two known living Swedish patients with fish eye disease. The enzyme activity was in both cases about 15% of that of normal plasma. Paradoxically, however, the percentage of plasma cholesterol which was esterified was almost normal in both patients. In addition, a normal spectrum of the fatty acids of the cholesteryl esters was present indicating a normal cholesterol esterification pathway in vivo. Incubation experiments in vitro of plasma from the two patients also yielded normal cholesterol esterification rates when measured by two different methods. These paradoxical results for cholesterol esterification are discussed on the basis of the present biochemical knowledge of fish eye disease and LCAT deficiency.
Anti‐acetylcholine Receptor Antibodies in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: SUNDEWAL ANN‐CHARLOTT , LEFVERT ANN KARI , OLSSON ROLF 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Sundewall A‐C, Lefvert AK, Olsson R. (Department of Clinical Chemistry, Huddinge University Hospital, Huddinge, and Department of Medicine II, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.) Anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibodies in primary biliary cirrhosis.Low concentrations of acetylcholine receptor antibodies were found in 16 out of 17 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Seven patients were treated or had been treated with penicillamine. Ten untreated patients had antibody levels corresponding to those found in the treated group. Our data support the presence of receptor antibodies of both IgG and IgM class.
POTASSIUM‐SPARING DIURETICS
Authors: Dyckner Thomas , Wester Per‐Olov 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe hemodynamic and the endocrine disturbances in congestive heart failure (CHF) impose major changes in electrolyte balance with a retention of sodium and concomitant losses of potassium and magnesium from the body. These changes are of great importance for the development of cardiac dysrhythmias, a diminished glucose tolerance and for the well‐being of the patient.The use of conventional diuretics imposes further burdens on the already deranged electrolyte balance. On long‐term therapy with conventional diuretics in CHF we observed that approximately 50% of the 297 patients studied had potassium and magnesium deficiencies and an increased sodium content as judged by skeletal muscle biopsies. The magnesium deficiency is especially dangerous since it prevents the cells from keeping their high intracellular potassium concentration unchanged. Potassium substitution is without effect in a magnesium deficiency since magnesium is necessary for the transportation of potassium over the cell membrane against the concentration gradient. In case of magnesium depletion, potassium substitution may even have negative effects on the body potassium content. The reason for this is probably the increase of p‐potassium concentration induced by the substitution, leading to an increase of aldosterone secretion. An increase of p‐potassium levels by 0.2–0.4 mmol/1 may thus result in a 50–100% rise in p‐aldosterone concentration. These changes promote further urinary losses of potassium and magnesium.Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of the potassium‐sparing diuretics amiloride, spironolactone and triamterene on p‐potassium concentration, but also on the body potassium content. There are theoretical indications that these diuretics may also save magnesium. This would mean a further protection against the electrolyte disturbances induced by the combination of CHF and conventional diuretic therapy.In three different studies we have confirmed the potassium‐sparing properties of amiloride, spironolactone and triamterene Furthermore, these diuretics had the ability to restitute the magnesium balance that had been deranged prior to the investigation by CHF and conventional diuretic therapy.On using these potassium‐ and magnesium‐sparing diuretics–amiloride, spironolactone and triamterene–sizeable increases of p‐aldosterone levels have been observed, probably induced by the raised p‐potassium concentration and by volume changes induced by the additional diuresis. Prior investigations on the body potassium content have been performed on a short‐term basis. It has been speculated that the duration of the effects of amiloride and triamterene on the body content of potassium would not be lasting in the long‐term prospect in the face of a persistently raised p‐aldosterone level. In the above three investigations, however, we observed that all three agents were capable of even restituting the skeletal muscle content of both potassium and magnesium on a long‐term basis (6 months).
α‐GLUCOSIDASE INHIBITION IN OBESITY
Authors: William‐Olsson Tom 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTAcarbose is an alpha‐glucosidase inhibitor which reversibly and competitively inhibits the digestion of oligo‐ and disaccharides at the brush border of the small intestine. This study evaluates the preventive and therapeutic properties of acarbose in the treatment of obesity.Dose‐response experiments were performed during repeated sucrose loads in man in order to investigate the effects of acarbose on plasma insulin and blood glucose levels. After titration of efficient doses, a long‐term tolerance test of acarbose was undertaken in a small pilot study. Finally, the relapse preventing effect of acarbose was tested during double‐blind cross‐over conditions in 24 weight reduced obese women.In growing Sprague‐Dawley rats, the effects of acarbose on body weight, lipid depots and adipose tissue cellularity were tested during pair‐feeding and ad libitum conditions. Such effects were also studied in adult ad libitum‐fed rats.Blood glucose, plasma insulin, body fat, depot lipids as well as fat cell weight and number were determined with established techniques.During a sucrose load, acarbose reduced insulin in a dose‐dependent fashion. Glucose was also reduced, but not dose‐dependently and only to a moderate extent. During a 200 g sucrose load, 400 mg of acarbose did not necessarily result in a maximal reduction of the insulin response while the glucose response was maximally inhibited after 100 mg.Acarbose reduced the relapse rate after weight reduction. No serious side effects were observed. Flatulence and meteorism occurred frequently. In growing rats, acarbose retarded the development of body weight and of lipid depots not only during pair‐feeding conditions but also in ad libitum‐fed animals eating considerably more than their controls. The spontaneous food consumption was increased by acarbose also in adult rats but in these animals neither body weight nor lipid depots were significantly reduced by acarbose.It is concluded that acarbose induces a carbohydrate malabsorption. Insulin levels are reduced not only via a decreased glycemic stimulus but also by interference with other insulin releasing mechanism(s). Acarbose is the first drug ever tested with long‐term relapse reducing effects after weight reduction. Animal experiments suggest that acarbose may be of value in the prevention of obesity, particularly since the drug retards lipid accumulation also during ad libitum‐feeding.
Electrocardiographic Changes in Spontaneous Left Pneumothorax
Authors: KELLER NIELS , SZAFF MARTA , SYKULSKI ROMAN 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Keller N, Szaff M, Sykulski R (Department of Internal Medicine, Sundby Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark). Electrocardiographic changes in spontaneous left pneumothorax. Acta Med Scand 1987; 221:499–501.A 25‐year‐old man was admitted with severe chest pain and an electrocardiogram suggestive of anterior myocardial infarction. Echocardiogram was normal, but chest X‐ray showed left‐sided pneumothorax. The electrocardiogram showed increasing R‐wave amplitude in the days after correction of pneumothorax. Taken in the supine position the electrocardiogram can be misleading in case of pneumothorax or mediastinal emphysema, but the electrocardiogram should be normal if taken in the erect position.
Intellectual impairment in alcoholics: Persistent issues
Authors: Parsons Oscar A 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntellectual impairment in sober intermediate stage alcoholics has been well established. However, a number of persistent issues remain to be explored. Three of the most important concern 1) variability in cognitive‐perceptual functioning in samples of alcoholics, 2) differential vulnerability of cognitive‐perceptual functions to alcohol abuse and 3) the relationship of cognitive‐perceptual impairment to treatment behaviour and benefit. Consideration of these issues resulted in the following conclusions. There is a substantial minority of alcoholics who do not manifest impairment on any given cognitive test. Variability of findings with different samples of alcoholics may be, in part, a function of family history of alcoholism and/or severity of alcoholism. Verbal and rote learning functions are less sensitive to alcohol abuse than non‐verbal, or complex verbal, abstracting/problem‐solving skills. Alcoholics' impersonal and interpersonal problem‐solving abilities are both impaired but appear to be uncorrelated. Impairment in cognitive‐perceptual functioning in alcoholics does predict therapists' ratings of treatment behaviour and benefit.
Can brain lesions occur in experimental animals by administration of ethanol or acetaldehyde?
Authors: Phillips Stephen C 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn a series of experimental studies involving ethanol vapour administration to rats, sustained blood alcohol levels in the range 89–115 mM for nine hours of each day over a two week period did not lead to neural degeneration detactable with either light or electron microscopy. A single nine hours exposure to ethanol and disulfiram giving rise to 20–41 mM alcohol and 52–76 μM acetaldehyde in the blood did lead to degeneration; and that with repeated exposures of this later type, the damage was found to be accumulative. The lowest levels of blood acetaldehyde which led to neural degeneration in the present study were not distant from clinically observed levels.
Cardiovascular risk factors in a sample of a rural Belgian population: The Bellux MONICA Study
Authors: BROHET C. , JANSSENS D. , BECK D. , HANNUT R. , KULBERTUS H. , LAVENNE F. , LEFEBVRE P.J. , RORIVE G. , JEANJEAN M.F. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. A sample of 1949 subjects of the population of the Belgian province of Luxembourg was screened for levels of cardiovascular risk factors. Cigarette smoking was more prevalent among males (51 %) than among females (17 %). The relationship between smoking and socio‐economic status was inverse in males (M) and direct in females (F). Blood pressure (BP) measurements showed definite high BP in 10 % of this sample, and 60 % of those with definite high BP were not taking any hypertensive drugs. The average total cholesterol value was 6.49 mmol/L in M and 6.45 mmol/L in F. F had lower values than M at a younger age, but higher values than M at an older age. The high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher in F (1.57 mmol/L) than in M (1.27 mmol/L). Diabetes was present in 4.2 % of this sample. In nearly half of these participants, the disease had been discovered during the screening. Obesity was especially frequent among F in all three age groups.In conclusion, the main cardiovascular risk factors were found to be at a fairly high level in this population sample.
Lipo‐ and Apolipoproteins in a Population Survey Subset in MONICA‐Israel
Authors: BRUNNER D. , SLUTZKY G.M. , WEISBORT J. , SCHWARTZ S. , LINGEL R. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Lipo‐ and apolipoproteins in a population survey subset in MONICA‐Israel.A group of 169 healthy men and women selected at random from the population survey of the MONICA‐Israel Project were screened for baseline values of serum lipoproteins and apolipoprotein A‐I and B concentrations. The apolipoprotein measurements were obtained using a recently developed immunoturbidimetric assay. The study population was subdivided into age groups of 25–44 years and 45–64 years. It was found that women aged 45–64 years had significantly higher levels of apolipoprotein A‐I, apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL‐c) and a lower ratio of HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐c) to TC (HDL‐c%) than did their younger counterparts. These parameters did not differ significantly between younger and older men. The results suggest that the HDL of women over the age of 45 years contains relatively less cholesterol and more protein than the HDL of younger women. Further studies will show to what degree apolipoprotein concentrations, and their relation to lipoproteins will sharpen the assessment of coronary risk.