bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cutoff Scores of the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument, Chinese Version in Screening of Dementia
Authors: Lin Ker-Neng , Wang Pei-Ning , Liu Chia-Yih , Chen Wei-Ta , Lee Yi-Chung , Liu Hsiu-Chih 
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study of dementia screening was to obtain different cutoff scores of the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument, Chinese versions (CASI C-2.0) for subjects with different educational backgrounds. The diagnosis of dementia was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, ed 3 revised or ed 4 criteria. To diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, the guidelines of the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association was followed. The severity of dementia was determined on the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. Altogether 2,096 subjects, aged 65 years and more, were included. Of them, 1,178 were normal and 918 were demented. Their performance on CASI C-2.0 was influenced by their education and age. Gender difference on CASI C-2.0 scores was only significant in the illiterate, but not in the literate group. We recommend that the population be divided into three levels, namely those who (1) had no formal education (Edu = 0); (2) received 1–5 years of schooling (Edu = 1–5), and (3) received 6 or more years of education (Edu ≧6). The cutoff scores of CASI C-2.0 in the diagnosis of dementia in these three educational groups were as follows: Edu = 0: 49/50 (sensitivity = 0.83; specificity = 0.85); Edu = 1–5: 67/68 (sensitivity = 0.83; specificity = 0.91), and Edu ≧6: 79/80 (sensitivity = 0.89; specificity = 0.90).
Significant Variation of the Elevated Nitric Oxide Levels in Aqueous Humor from Patients with Different Types of Glaucoma
Authors: Tsai Der-Chong , Hsu Wen-Ming , Chou Ching-Kuang , Chen Shih-Jen , Peng Chi-Hsien , Chi Chin-Wen , Ho Larry L.-T. , Liu Jorn-Hon , Chiou Shih-Hwa 
Published: April 2003

Though several studies have shown that the biochemical function of nitric oxide (NO) in the eye might play an important role in the regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP), local control of ocular blood flow and loss of retinal ganglion cells by apoptosis, it is unclear whether the role of NO is similar in the pathogenesis of different kinds of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), chronic closed-angle glaucoma (CCAG) and neovascular glaucoma (NVG). To further explore this issue, we measured the concentrations of NO in aqueous humor and plasma samples from patients with POAG (n = 31), CCAG (n = 76), NVG (n = 8) and cataract (n = 30). All of the NVG patients suffered from severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy, while other patients were free of any other systemic disease. The NO levels in both aqueous humor and plasma samples were assessed by chemiluminescence assay. We found that the NO levels in aqueous humor samples were greatly varied in patients with POAG (36.2 ± 3.3 µ<i>M</i>), CCAG (47.7 ± 3.4 µ<i>M)</i> and NVG (65.8 ± 5.4 µ<i>M</i>), and all of them were significantly higher than in cataract patients (27.0 ± 2.9 µ<i>M</i>; p < 0.05). Except NVG patients whose NO levels in plasma samples were highest (24.1 ± 3.5 µ<i>M</i>) among all groups, the plasma NO levels were not significantly different between the other glaucoma patients and the cataract patients. We therefore concluded that significant variation of the elevated NO levels in aqueous humor samples from the patients with different types of glaucoma may reflect their differences in the pathogenesis.
Association between -1438G/A Promoter Polymorphism in the 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> Receptor Gene and Fluvoxamine Response in Japanese Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Sato Kazuhiro , Yoshida Keizo , Takahashi Hitoshi , Ito Kenichi , Kamata Mitsuhiro , Higuchi Hisashi , Shimizu Tetsuo , Itoh Kunihiko , Inoue Kazuyuki , Tezuka Takehiko , Suzuki Toshio , Ohkubo Tadashi , Sugawara Kazunobu , Otani Koichi 
Published: April 2003

Genetic polymorphism of the serotonin 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptor seems to be associated with therapeutic response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The present study investigated whether a novel –1438G/A polymorphism in the promoter region of the 5-HT<sub>2A </sub>receptor gene is associated with therapeutic response to fluvoxamine (an SSRI) in 66 Japanese patients with major depressive disorder. Fluvoxamine (50 to 200 mg) was administered twice daily for 6 weeks. Fifty-four patients completed this study. The genotype distribution and the allele frequencies showed no significant difference between responders and non-responders. The time-course of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores showed no significant difference among –1438G/G, –1438G/A, and –1438A/A genotype groups. The results demonstrated that the –1438G/A promoter polymorphism in the 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptor gene was unlikely to have a major role in therapeutic response to fluvoxamine in Japanese patients with major depressive disorder.
Nitric Oxide Releasing Aspirin Protects the Gastric Mucosa against Stress and Promotes Healing of Stress-Induced Gastric Mucosal Damage: Role of Heat Shock Protein 70
Authors: Konturek Peter C. , Brzozowski Tomasz , Ptak Agata , Kania Joanna , Kwiecień Sławomir , Hahn Eckhart G. , Konturek Stanisław J. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aim:</i> Nitric oxide (NO) releasing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not cause gastric mucosal damage, despite inhibition of the cyclooxygenase activity to a similar extent as conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that induce such damage. We compared the effects of native aspirin (ASA) with those of NO-releasing ASA (NO-ASA) on the development and healing of acute gastric lesions induced by water immersion and restraint stress (WRS) and the mucosal expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). <i>Methods:</i> Wistar rats received: (1) vehicle; (2) ASA (40 mg/kg i.g), and (3) NO-ASA (2.5–40 mg/kg i.g.), followed 0.5 h later by 3.5 h of WRS with or without glyceryl trinitrate, the donor of NO, and carboxy-PTIO, a NO scavenger. Healing of WRS lesions was assessed 0–24 h after termination of WRS. Number of gastric lesions, gastric mucosal blood flow (GBF), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and RT-PCR expression of HSP70 mRNA were determined. <i>Results:</i> WRS caused typical bleeding erosions that were aggravated by aspirin and this was accompanied by a fall in the GBF and a significant rise in the mucosal MDA concentrations. In contrast, NO-ASA, which raised significantly the luminal content of NO<sub>x</sub>, reduced number of WRS lesions and mucosal MDA levels while increasing significantly the GBF. These protective and hyperemic effects of NO-ASA against WRS lesions were mimicked by addition of glyceryl trinitrate to native ASA and significantly attenuated by carboxy-PTIO added to NO-ASA. HSP70 mRNA was significantly upregulated by WRS, and this was significantly attenuated by ASA, but not by NO-ASA. NO-ASA decreased significantly the MDA content and induced overexpression of HSP70 mRNA during healing of WRS lesions.<i></i><i>Conclusion:</i> NO-ASA exhibits mucosal protective and healing effects against WRS-induced gastric lesions due to the release of NO, which induces gastric hyperemia, and the attenuation of lipid peroxidation and counteracts the inhibition of HSP70 expression induced by native ASA.
Possible Modulatory Role of Nitric Oxide in Lung Toxicity Induced in Rats by Chronic Administration of Bleomycin
Authors: El-Khatib Aiman S. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The present study was undertaken to evaluate whether stimulation or inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis could affect lung toxicity induced by chronic administration of bleomycin (BLM). <i>L</i>-arginine (ARG) and N<sup>G</sup>-nitro-<i>L</i>-arginine methyl ester (<i>L</i>-NAME) were employed as NO precursor and NO synthesis inhibitor, respectively. <i>Methods:</i> BLM was administered intraperitoneally to male Wistar rats at a dose of 15 mg/kg, 3 times a week, for a total period of 4 weeks. ARG (500 mg/kg/day) and <i>L</i>-NAME (100 mg/kg/day) were given in drinking water, the treatments commenced with BLM and continued up to the end of the experiment. Appropriate controls were performed. <i>Results:</i> BLM treatment resulted in a pronounced fall in the average body weight of animals, together with a rise in the lung weight/body weight ratio. In the lung tissue, elevated levels of hydroxyproline (HP) and lipid peroxides (LP) as well as decreased activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) further evidenced the toxicity. Pulmonary level of NO end products, nitrite and nitrate, tended to rise but did not reach a significant level. Glutathione (GSH) content and GSH-peroxidase activity measured in the lung remained unaltered. In animals given concurrent treatment of BLM and ARG, a remarkable rise in the pulmonary level of nitrite and nitrate was observed. Average body weight was still decreased when compared with the untreated control group, but the decrease was significantly less than that observed in the BLM group. In addition, ARG decreased the extent of BLM-induced elevations of lung HP and LP levels. Meanwhile, ARG failed to significantly affect the BLM-evoked decrease in pulmonary ACE activity and increase in lung weight/body weight ratio. In animals given simultaneous treatment of BLM and <i>L</i>-NAME, noticeable reductions in the pulmonary levels of nitrite/nitrate and GSH were detected. BLM-induced decrease in body weight and increase in lung weight/body weight ratio were accentuated by <i>L</i>-NAME co-treatment. Furthermore, administration of <i>L</i>-NAME led to more profound elevations in lung HP and LP levels, without affecting the decrease in pulmonary ACE activity elicited by BLM. <i>Conclusion:</i> In principle, the present findings indicate that the lung toxicity exerted by chronic administration of BLM is alleviated by ARG, but exacerbated by <i>L</i>-NAME supplementation. This could indicate a possible protective role of NO.
A Novel Assay to Measure the Calcium Flux in Human Basophils: Effects of Chemokines and Nerve Growth Factor
Authors: Heinemann Akos , Ofner Martina , Amann Rainer , Peskar Bernhard A. 
Published: April 2003

The calcium flux in human basophils was measured by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were labeled with anti-CD123 and anti-HLA-DR antibodies, loaded with fluo-3 acetoxymethyl ester (2 µmol/l) in the presence of probenecid (2.5 µmol/l) and Pluronic F-127 (0.02%) for 20 min, and equilibrated with Ca<sup>2+</sup> (1.8 mmol/l) and Mg<sup>2+</sup> (1 mmol/l) for 5 min. The levels of intracellular free calcium were monitored as changes in fluorescence. Cross-linking of surface IgE on basophils with anti-IgE antibodies caused effective calcium flux in atopic, but not in healthy, donors. Concentration-dependent responses to monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), eotaxin, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1α), and C5a (0.3–10 nmol/l) were observed in all subjects, with a rank order of potency of C5a = MCP-1 > eotaxin > MIP-1α. In contrast, the rank order of potency in causing basophil shape change (i.e., increase in forward scatter) was eotaxin > C5a > MCP-1 > MIP-1α. Nerve growth factor (NGF; 15 nmol/l) did not induce calcium flux in basophils, and pretreatment of cells with a low concentration of NGF (0.3 nmol/l), which has previously been shown to prime basophils for mediator release, had no effect on the calcium response to subsequent stimulation with C5a. We conclude that calcium mobilization is differentially involved in signaling to chemoattractants in basophils and that it is correlated with the agonist’s efficacy to induce mediator release. The data also suggest that priming of basophil responses by NGF does not rely on enhanced calcium mobilization.
Ginsenosides Protect Apical Transporters of Cultured Proximal Tubule Cells from Dysfunctions Induced by H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>
Authors: Han Ho Jae , Yoon Byung Cheol , Park Soo Hyun , Park Ji Yeong , Oh Young Joon , Lee Yun Jung , Park Kwon Moo 
Published: April 2003

Oxidative stress has been implicated as a primary cause of renal failure in certain renal diseases. Indeed, renal proximal tubule is a very sensitive site to oxidative stress and retains functionally fully characterized transporters. It has been reported that ginsenosides have a beneficial effect on diverse diseases including oxidative stress. However, the protective effect of ginsenosides on oxidative stress has not been elucidated in renal proximal tubule cells. Thus, we examined the effect of ginsenosides on oxidative stress-induced alteration of apical transporters and its related mechanism in renal proximal tubule cells. In the present study, hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) (>10<sup>–5</sup><i>M</i>) inhibited α-methyl-<i>D</i>-glucopyranoside uptake in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). It also inhibited Pi and Na<sup>+</sup> uptake. At a concentration of 20 µg/ml, total ginsenosides significantly reduced H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-induced inhibition of apical transporters. In contrast, protopanaxadiol (PD) and protopanaxatriol (PT) saponins exhibited a less preventive effect than total ginsenosides (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we examined its action mechanism. H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> increased lipid peroxide formation, arachidonic acid (AA) release, and Ca<sup>2+</sup> uptake. These effects on H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> were significantly prevented by total ginsenosides and PD or PT sanponins. However, total ginsenosides appear to be more protective than PD and PT saponins (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ginsenosides prevented H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-induced inhibition of apical transporters via a decrease in oxidative stress, AA release, and Ca<sup>2+</sup> uptake in primary cultured renal proximal tubule cells.
Occlusion Therapy for the Treatment of Amblyopia: Letting the Parents Decide
Authors: Tripathi Ajay , O’Donnell Niall P. , Holden Roger , Kaye Lesley , Kaye Stephen B. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Compliance with prescribed occlusion therapy is a significant problem in the treatment of amblyopia. Parental preference for a particular type of occlusion treatment has not been previously addressed. Unless parental views are taken into account when planning therapy, compliance may be poor and treatment may fail. <i>Subjects and Methods:</i> Parents of children with strabismic and/or anisometropic amblyopia who were due to start or had already had occlusion treatment were included in this study. Group A comprised parents of children who had no previous experience of occlusion, and group B comprised parents of children who had previous experience of occlusion therapy. Parental preferences regarding occlusion therapy were investigated by way of a questionnaire, in which they were asked whether they would prefer part-day/full-week occlusion or all-day/part-week occlusion so that the total number of hours of occlusion per week was the same. <i>Results:</i> One hundred parents completed the questionnaire, 47 from group A and 53 from group B. A significant number of parents in group A (95.3%) who had no previous experience with occlusion preferred part-day/full-week occlusion (p < 0.001), whereas there was no such preference among parents who had experience with occlusion, that is only 54.3% of parents in group B showed a preference for part-day/full-week occlusion (p = 0.1). The reasons given by the parents for their preferences varied but were in keeping with their lifestyles so that the type of occlusion regimen chosen by the parents was in accordance with the reasons given for their choice. <i>Conclusion:</i> Parental preferences should be considered when occlusion therapy is planned if compliance is to be improved. For maintenance occlusion, it would be reasonable to prescribe the number of hours of occlusion required per week and allow parents the responsibility to implement the pattern of occlusion according to their circumstances – the implied restriction ensuring that the number of hours of occlusion per week is met. Although parents appeared to have preconceived ideas before the commencement of treatment, their preferences changed once treatment had begun.
Human Cerebellar Activation in Relation to Saccadic Eye Movements: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Hayakawa Yuuki , Nakajima Takashi , Takagi Mineo , Fukuhara Nobuyoshi , Abe Haruki 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> The functional organization of the human cerebellum involved in saccadic eye movements was investigated using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). <i>Methods:</i> The subjects were 7 normal volunteers aged 18–34 years. Visual stimuli were back-projected onto a screen placed at the subjects’ feet. The stimulation period of 30 s consisted of a saccade target jumping back and forth horizontally by 20° once per second. The control period of 30 s consisted of a fixed target. The stimulation and control periods were alternated 10 times during the presentation. Functional images were collected with a 1.5-tesla clinical MRI scanner. The significance of activation was determined by Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM 99) at a threshold of p < 0.001 (uncorrected), and significantly activated areas were superimposed on the T<sub>1</sub>-weighted images. <i>Results:</i> Significantly activated areas related to visually guided saccades were observed in the cerebellar vermis (declive and folium), in the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres (mainly the superior semilunar lobule) of the cerebellum, in the frontal eye field, in the supplementary eye field and in parts of the parietal lobule of the cerebrum. <i>Conclusion:</i> Our results suggest that the cerebellar posterior vermis and bilateral hemispheres are related to saccades in humans. These results are consistent with neurophysiological data obtained in primates.
Does Photorefractive Keratectomy Alter the Effect of Topical Medications?
Authors: Nemet Arie , Morad Yair 
Published: April 2003

<i>Introduction:</i> The influence of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on drug penetration into the eye is not yet established, as this procedure may alter the barrier function of the cornea as well as the blood ocular barrier. Pupillary response to topical tropicamide depends on its penetration into the anterior chamber. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of PRK on pupillary response to topical tropicamide, and hence to evaluate whether PRK alters drug penetration into the eye. <i>Methods:</i> Pupillary diameter was measured using infrared pupillometer at 0, 15 and 30 min after instillation of 0.1% tropicamide to both eyes of 28 patients 4 weeks after PRK in one eye. The untreated eye served as control. <i>Results:</i> Pupillary diameter before and 30 min after dilation was 7.4 ± 1.2 and 8.0 ± 1.0 mm in the treated eyes and 7.5 ± 1.2 and 8.1 ± 1.0 mm in the untreated eyes, respectively (p = 0.45). Percentage of pupillary dilation (Δ pupillary diameter/pupillary diameter at 0 min ×100) was also similar in treated and untreated eyes for the entire study group (12.5 and 10.5%, respectively, p = 0.17). A trend for greater dilation was seen in patients with myopia above 6 diopters (13.7 and 10.5% in treated and untreated eyes, respectively, p = 0.11) and cornea thinner than 540 µm (14.2 and 10.1% in treated and untreated eyes, respectively, p = 0.1). <i>Discussion:</i> Our results confirm animal and human studies that found restoration of the ocular drug barrier at 4 weeks following PRK. The trend for greater penetration in patients with high myopia and thin corneas warrants further study on a larger cohort of this subgroup.
Actinomycotic Tubo-Ovarian Abscess Mimicking Pelvic Malignancy
Authors: Güngör Tayfun , Parlakyiğit Emel Ebru , Dumanli Hüseyin 
Published: April 2003

A 39-year-old multipara was admitted to hospital with lower abdominal pain. She had used an intrauterine device (IUD) for 10 years. Three years ago, her tubes were ligated. Ultrasound examination revealed a 9.5 × 6 cm multiloculated cystic mass in the right part of her lower abdomen. CA-125 was also found to be increased. Since ovarian malignancy was suspected, laparotomy was performed. Pathologically, an actinomycotic tubo-ovarian abscess with sulfur granules was disclosed.
Cardioprotective Effects of Extracts from <i>Psidium guajava</i> L. and <i>Limonium wrightii</i>, Okinawan Medicinal Plants, against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Perfused Rat Hearts
Authors: Yamashiro Satoshi , Noguchi Katsuhiko , Matsuzaki Toshihiro , Miyagi Kanako , Nakasone Junko , Sakanashi Mayuko , Sakanashi Makiko , Kukita Ichiro , Aniya Yoko , Sakanashi Matao 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to determine whether the medicinal herbs growing in Okinawa and possessing a radical-scavenging activity would exert cardioprotective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury using isolated perfused rat hearts. Effects of the aqueous extracts from <i>Psidium guajava</i> L. and <i>Limonium wrightii</i> at concentrations having an equipotent radical-scavenging activity on myocardial injury produced by global ischemia followed by reperfusion were tested and were further compared with those of quercetin and gallic acid, major antioxidative components of <i>P. guajava</i> L. and <i>L. wrightii</i>, respectively. Both extracts significantly attenuated ischemic contracture during ischemia and improved myocardial dysfunction after reperfusion. Decreases in high-energy phosphates and increases in malondialdehyde in the reperfused hearts were significantly lessened with both plant extracts. Quercetin and gallic acid also exerted similar beneficial effects. These results indicate that <i>P. guajava</i> L. and <i>L. wrightii</i> both have cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts, primarily through their radical-scavenging actions.
Low Specificity of Scanning Laser Polarimetry
Authors: Mojon Daniel S. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> Scanning laser polarimetry is used to assess the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer. This study evaluates scanning laser polarimetry in normal subjects. <i>Subjects and Methods:</i> 28 eyes of 28 normal subjects (age range 21–48 years, mean age 36.5 years) had scanning laser polarimetry (NFA-GDx, Laser Diagnostic Technologies, San Diego, Calif., USA). All subjects had normal eye examinations, refractive errors with spherical equivalents <5 D and astigmatism <2 D, normal intraocular pressures, no history of diseases affecting the visual field or nerve fiber layer, and normal white-on-white automated perimetry (Octopus 101, program G2). The mean image of three good-quality measurements with the scanning laser polarimeter was included. <i>Results:</i> 36% of the normal subjects (10/28) had at least one NFA parameter outside normal (p < 0.05). The parameters most frequently found to be outside normal were symmetry (21%, 6/28) and superior ratio (17%, 5/28). <i>Conclusions:</i> Scanning laser polarimetry is often used for early detection of glaucomatous damage in glaucoma suspects. This study found a specificity of only 64% and indicates that the actual selection of parameters is not adequate. Especially the parameters symmetry and superior ratio should be reevaluated in order to achieve a higher specificity.