bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Miller Fisher Syndrome: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Study
Authors: Yuan Chih-Lun , Wang Yuh-Jen , Tsai Ching-Piao 
Published: April 2003

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), characterized as ataxia, areflexia and ophthalmoplegia, is generally considered as a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). However, some investigators believed that the syndrome could be explained by a central origin. To obtain more information about MFS for comparison with GBS, we conducted a retrospective study by analyzing the clinical data of MFS patients admitted to our hospital over a period of 11 years. The calibrated male/female ratio was 1.65. A seasonal clustering in winter was noted. The percentage of MFS among GBS was especially high (18%, 11/60) in Taiwan when compared with other series. Involvement of limb muscle strength, autonomic function and cranial nerves, except ocular motor nerves, was rarely found in our patients. When MFS is accompanied by limb weakness, it might represent a transitional form between MFS and GBS. Bulbar palsy and dysautonomia might predict a relatively poor prognosis. To obtain more reliable information, lumbar puncture should be done 1 week after disease onset, and electrophysiological tests should be done serially in every MFS patient. Eighty percent (80%, 4/5) of our patients were positive for IgG anti-GQ<sub>1b</sub> antibody activity. In our study, there is more evidence indicating that MFS is a peripheral nervous system disorder; however, no definite conclusion could be made as to whether MFS is exclusively a peripheral or central nervous system disorder. We think MFS is an immune-mediated clinical entity which mainly involves the peripheral nervous system with rare involvement of other parts of the central nervous system.
Intrahepatic Tissue pO<sub>2</sub> during Continuous or Intermittent Vascular Inflow Occlusion in a Pig Liver Resection Model
Authors: van Wagensveld B.A. , van Gulik T.M. , Gabeler E.E.E. , van der Kleij A.J. , Obertop H. , Gouma D.J. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background:</b> Temporary vascular inflow occlusion of the liver (clamping of the hepatic pedicle) can prevent massive blood loss during liver resections. In this study, intrahepatic tissue pO<sub>2</sub> was assessed as parameter of microcirculatory disturbances induced by ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) in the liver following continuous (Cnt) or intermittent (Int) clamping in a hemihepatectomy model in the pig. <b>Methods:</b> Pigs (20–34 kg) were divided into 2 groups: I/R without hemihepatectomy (–HH; n = 10) and I/R with hemihepatectomy (+HH; n = 8). Ischemia during 90 min was Cnt or Int (6 sequential periods of 12 min of ischemia and 3 min of reperfusion), followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Intrahepatic pO<sub>2</sub> histograms (polarographic pO<sub>2</sub> needle electrode) were constructed before ischemia, at the end of 90 min of ischemia and after 120 min of reperfusion, along with assessment of plasma AST, ALT and LDH. Bile production was monitored continuously. <b>Results:</b> Cumulative frequency distribution curves (CFDC) after 120 min of reperfusion in the Cnt–HH group were not different from preischemic CFDC (means ± SEM), whereas in the Int–HH group a left shift occurred indicating more hypo(non)perfused liver areas (pO<sub>2</sub> < 10 mm Hg: 2.6 ± 1.2 and 41.0 ± 17.5% in Cnt–HH and Int–HH; p < 0.01). In the Cnt+HH group, a left shift in the CFDC occurred. In the Int+HH group, a left and a right shift occurred simultaneously, indicating both hypo(non)- and hyperperfused (shunting) liver areas (pO<sub>2</sub> < 10 mm Hg: 4.0 ± 2.7 and 9.6 ± 8.5%, n.s., and pO<sub>2</sub> > 60 mm Hg: 2.0 ± 2.0 and 17.3 ± 6.4%, p = 0.015, in Cnt+HH and Int+HH). Plasma AST, ALT and LDH levels were not increased after 120 min of reperfusion, except for AST in Cnt+HH and Int+HH (from 54.6 ± 14.0 to 270.4 ± 42.8 U/l, p < 0.01, and from 47.8 ± 9.4 to 176.5 ± 55.9 U/l, n.s.). Bile production (percentage of mean preischemic value) during 120 min of reperfusion was significantly reduced in the Int–HH group, as compared to the Cnt–HH group (57.0 and 117.0% after 120 min of reperfusion, p = 0.002). In Cnt+HH and Int+HH, bile production was significantly reduced (33.3 ± 20.0%, p = 0.05, and 38.5 ± 7.9%, p = 0.007); however it was not different between the two groups. <b>Conclusions:</b> (1) Intrahepatic tissue pO<sub>2</sub> as indicator of microvascular perfusion is a parameter of early I/R injury; (2) continuous vascular inflow occlusion resulted in less microcirculatory disturbances, when compared to intermittent occlusion.
Standardization of the Lactulose-Mannitol Test in Rats: Application to Burn Injury
Authors: Pernet P. , Aussel C. , Le Boucher J. , Giboudeau J. , Cynober L. , Coudray-Lucas C. 
Published: April 2003

Intestinal permeability can be assessed by measuring urinary mannitol and lactulose excretion after oral administration. This test may be useful as a tool in experimental studies to explore the effects of specific diets intended to promote the repair of the integrity of the gut barrier. In this study we standardized the lactulose-mannitol test in rats and applied it to a burned-rat model. The conditions were: oral administration of an isotonic mixture of 50 mg of mannitol and 66 mg of lactulose, followed by aseptic collection of urine over 4 h. The increase in the lactulose/mannitol ratio in burned rats was due to higher lactulose excretion. These results corroborate those obtained in burn patients and show that our model is suitable for further experiments on nutritional manipulation.
An Evaluation of the Influence of Devazepide and CCK-8S on the Intact and Resected Rat Liver
Authors: Ohlsson B. , Rehfeld J.F. , Axelson J. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background:</b> Recently, it has been shown that infusion of the CCK-A receptor antagonist devazepide induced proliferation of hepatocytes and bile duct epithelium in the rat liver. The aim of this study was to further evaluate the influence of devazepide and sulfated cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8S) on the intact rat liver and rat liver after resection. <b>Methods:</b> In the first experiment, either saline or devazepide was injected subcutaneously twice daily to rats for 18 and 36 h and 3 and 7 days. In the second experiment, a 70% liver resection was followed by infusion of either DMSO, devazepide, saline or CCK-8S for 2 or 7 days. Prior to sacrifice, all rats received 1 mCi/kg of tritiated thymidine intraperitoneally. The liver was excised and the contents of protein, DNA and water and incorporation of tritiated thymidine were measured. <b>Results:</b> Intermittent injections of devazepide increased the liver protein content after 36 h, followed by a decrease after 7 days. The weight, DNA content or cell proliferation was not affected. Two days after liver resection hyperCCKemia was evoked, which was less prominent after 7 days. Devazepide lowered the plasma concentration of CCK, while the infusion of CCK-8S resulted in extremely high concentrations at both time points. The DNA synthesis measured by thymidine incorporation was increased by devazepide on day 2, whereas the weight or protein and DNA contents of the liver were not influenced. CCK-8S infusion decreased the body and liver weight throughout the study, and the protein and DNA contents after 7 days. <b>Conclusions:</b> Intermittent devazepide treatment did not affect the intact liver. Devazepide increased the DNA synthesis 2 days after liver resection but was without other influences on the liver regeneration. CCK-8S induced decreased body weight with ensuing negative effects on the liver regeneration. Neither devazepide nor CCK seem to be of any therapeutic use after liver resection or liver failure.
Early Hemodynamic Changes during Uncontrolled Intra-Abdominal Bleeding
Authors: Riddez L. , Johnson L. , Hahn R.G. 
Published: April 2003

Central hemodynamics was studied in 32 pigs during the first 10 min after making a 5-mm laceration in the infrarenal aorta. Blood flow probes were placed proximally and distally to the site of the bleeding and also over the portal vein and renal artery. We found that the bleeding, which was indicated by a difference in the rate of blood flow between the two aortic probes, stopped spontaneously after about 3 min. The short-term changes in blood flow rates closely followed simple monoexponential functions with mean half-times of 34 (proximal aorta), ≈10 (lower aorta), 27 (splanchnic) and 21 s (kidney) to reach steady-state levels amounting to 20, 20, 27 and 8% of the baseline flow rates, respectively.
Endotoxin and Cytokine Release in Strangulation Obstruction and in Partial Occlusion of the Mesenteric Artery in Pigs
Authors: Fevang J. , Øvrebø K. , Svanes K. , Røkke O. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The study was performed to determine if endotoxin or the cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are liberated from strangulated or partially ischemic small bowel. <i>Methods:</i> Strangulation obstruction was induced by elevating pressure in a gasket placed around a loop of ileum until venous pressure reached 50 mm Hg. Low arterial flow in a loop of ileum was produced by arterial clamping reducing blood flow by 70%. A proximal bowel loop was used for control. Arterial blood flow was measured by transit time flowmetry. Blood samples were collected before and after 30, 90 and 180 min of strangulation or clamping. Plasma levels of endotoxin and cytokines (TNF, IL-1 and IL-6) were measured by limulus amebocyte lysate test and bioassays, respectively. <i>Results:</i> Strangulation obstruction caused more extensive mucosal damage than arterial clamping. Strangulation was followed by markedly increased venous concentration and release of IL-6 in the strangulated loop. Partial arterial occlusion did not cause increased release of IL-6. Strangulation or partial clamping did not influence the concentration of endotoxin, IL-1 or TNF in intestinal venous blood. <i>Conclusions:</i> Strangulation obstruction causes increased release of IL-6 to intestinal venous blood. IL-6 levels did not increase after 70% reduction of arterial blood flow. The early IL-6 increase was not detected in systemic blood. Strangulation did not cause early changes in plasma levels of endotoxin, TNF or IL-1.
Intestinal Ischaemia-Reperfusion Increases Plasma Amylin Concentration in Rats
Authors: Phillips A.R.J. , Abu-Zidan Fikri M. , Bonham M.J.D. , Simovic Misho O. , Cooper G.J.S. , Windsor J.A. 
Published: April 2003

Intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion and hyperamylinaemia are both associated with severe acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between intestinal-ischaemia reperfusion and plasma amylin in an experimental model. Wistar rats (n = 24, 400–450 g) were divided into three groups: (1) a sham (S)-operated group (n = 7) that underwent laparotomy and isolation (without clamping) of the superior mesenteric artery, (2) an ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) group (n = 7) that had clamping of the superior mesenteric artery for 60 min followed by 15 min reperfusion, and (3) a control (C) group (n = 10) that underwent no surgery. Amylin was significantly elevated in the IR group (median 39 p<i>M</i>, range 30–44) compared with the S group (19 p<i>M</i>, range 15–45; Mann-Whitney U, p < 0.05) and the C group (24 p<i>M</i>, range 15–55; p < 0.01). Insulin was significantly elevated in the IR group (2,060 p<i>M</i>, range 1,000–4,650) compared with the S group (558 p<i>M</i>, range 424–2,020; p < 0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between amylin and insulin (R = 0.82, F = 46.6, p < 0.0001), but not between amylin and glucose or insulin and glucose. Intestinal histology was consistent with an ischaemia-reperfusion injury, whereas pancreatic histology was normal. The unique finding that plasma amylin concentration is increased with intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury warrants further investigation.
Experimental Liver Preservation with Celsior:A Novel Alternative to University of Wisconsin and Histidine-Tryptophan-α-Ketoglutarate Solutions?
Authors: Tolba R.H. , Akbar S. , Müller A. , Glatzel U. , Minor T. 
Published: April 2003

Celsior, a low viscosity and low potassium preservation solution, has recently been tested successfully in the cold preservation of heart, lung, kidney and small intestine. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential of Celsior in the cold preservation of the liver. Livers were harvested from male Wistar rats and then flushed with either Celsior (CE), University of Wisconsin solution (UW) or histidine-tryptophan-α-ketoglutarate solution (HTK) and stored for 24 h at 4°C in the respective solution. The reperfusion was performed in vitro using a recirculating model with oxygenated (95% O<sub>2</sub>, 5% CO<sub>2</sub>) Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 37°C. To simulate the slow rewarming during the surgical implantation in vivo, all livers were stored for 30 min at room temperature prior to reperfusion. After ischemic storage and also after reperfusion some samples were freeze-clamped for analysis of tissue metabolites while others were tested for structural and functional integrity by the isolated perfusion. CE vs. UW vs. HTK: Metabolic preservation of tissue ATP (μmol/g dry weight) during cold storage was best with Celsior (0.46 ± 0.17 vs. 0.26 ± 0.03 vs. 0.35 ± 0.07; p < 0.05 CE vs. UW), but upon reperfusion energetic recovery was comparable in the three groups (3.45 ± 0.66 vs. 4.27 ± 0.41 vs. 3.63 ± 0.64 μmol/g/dry weight). There appeared to be structural integrity during reoxygenation irrespective of the used preservation solution with comparable values of parenchymal enzyme release (ALT: 575 ± 82 vs. 547 ± 106 vs. 593 ± 38 mU/g/l), bile production (18.0 ± 1.0 vs. 18.5 ± 2.5 vs. 18.7 ± 1.4 μl/g/ min), and the release of acid phosphatase, an indicator for activated Kupffer cells (89 ± 13 vs. 90 ± 5 vs. 123 ± 21 mU/g/l) in this in vitro model. Vascular flow characteristics were approximated by the portal perfusion pressure, which tended to be elevated upon initial reperfusion in the UW group (8.4 ± 0.6 mm Hg) compared to 6.6 ± 1.0 and 7.3 ± 0.4 mm Hg in Celsior and HTK, respectively. However, the pressure values decreased to the normal range even in the UW group with ongoing perfusion. The sensitivity of our model in detecting protective effects of the tested solution was confirmed by a negative control group of livers stored in Ringer’s solution at 4°C, yielding an impaired recovery which differed by one magnitude from the three other groups. Within the limits of an in vitro study it is concluded from these results that Celsior may become a suitable alternative for liver preservation and further studies including a transplantation in vivo are strongly encouraged.
Torsion of a Functional Ovarian Cyst in a Premenopausal Patient Receiving Tamoxifen
Authors: Nasu Kaei , Miyazaki Tami , Kiyonaga Yukie , Kawasaki Fumiko , Miyakawa Isao 
Published: April 2003

We report a case of torsion of an ovarian follicular cyst that developed during treatment with tamoxifen for breast cancer. A 40-year-old Japanese woman was admitted complaining of acute lower abdominal pain. Eight months earlier, she had undergone a partial mastectomy and local irradiation for ductal carcinoma of her left breast, estrogen receptor-positive stage I (T<sub>1a</sub> N<sub>1b</sub> M&#8320;). The administration of tamoxifen, 20 mg/day, and doxifluridine, 600 mg/day, were started immediately postoperatively. Pelvic examination after admission revealed the left ovarian cyst and enlarged uterus. Transvaginal ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a multilocular cystic mass in the pelvic cavity. The pathological diagnosis of the tumor after total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was a typical follicular cyst with torsion and uterine leiomyoma. This ovarian cyst was believed to have developed during tamoxifen administration.
Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist on the Incidence of Apoptosis in Porcine and Human Granulosa Cells
Authors: Zhao Shumei , Saito Hidekazu , Wang Xia , Saito Takakazu , Kaneko Tomoko , Hiroi Masahiko 
Published: April 2003

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) has been found to be expressed in ovaries of various species and to modulate cell differentiation in ovarian cells. GnRH agonists (GnRHa) are widely used in the stimulation protocols of assisted reproduction. In the present study, the direct effects of a GnRHa on the incidence of apoptosis and sterodogenesis in porcine in human granulosa cells were investigated. Cells were obtained from 6-month-old swine and in vitro fertilization patients, and cultured in minimum essential medium (MEM) supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum for 24 h. The GnRHa (burserelin acetate) was added to the MEM at various concentrations (0, 5, 50, 500 pg/ml, and 5 ng/ml). The nuclei of granulosa cells were examined by fluorescence microscopy after Hoechst 33258 staining, and the incidence of apoptotic cells was tabulated. The GnRHa directly increased the incidence of apoptosis in both types of granulosa cells. The concentration of GnRHa in clinical use is much higher than the concentration which produced apoptosis in granulosa cells here. The clinical dosage of GnRHa should be reconsidered with regard to its apoptosis-inducing effect.
Accurate Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Gender Determination from a Single Cell
Authors: Hashiba T. , Sueoka K. , Kuroshima M. , Asada H. , Kuji N. , Yoshimura Y. 
Published: April 2003

For gender determination of preimplantation embryos or circulating fetal cells in maternal blood, we developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay from a single cell. This assay which co-amplifies X (DXZ1)- and Y (DYZ1)-specific repeat sequences, yields a 308-bp band in females and two bands of 154 and 308 bp in males. In a randomized, blinded assay of 100 isolated single amniocytes, 99 (99%) were amplified successfully. All 50 of the XY cells were correctly diagnosed as male (100%), whereas 49 of the 50 XX cells were diagnosed as female (98%). This accurate and efficient assay may be applicable in these clinical settings.
Production of Interleukin-6 in Cultures of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Children with Primary Protein-Calorie Malnutrition and from Eutrophic Controls
Authors: Malavé Inés , Vethencourt María A. , Chacón Rita , Quiñones Damelis , Rebrij Carlos , Bolívar Gonzalo 
Published: April 2003

The spontaneous as well as mitogen-induced in vitro production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was studied in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 14 children with marginal protein-energy malnutrition, 43 children with definite protein-energy malnutrition and 38 eutrophic controls of similar age, sex, race and socioeconomical condition. PBMC were cultured without added mitogen or stimulated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA). After 48 h incubation, cell-free culture supernatants were collected and stored at –70°C. The amount of IL-6 in the supernatants was determined by a specific bioassay based on the proliferation of B9 hybridoma cells using human rIL-6 as standard. The mean level of IL-6 was significantly increased in supernatants from nonstimulated PBMC cultures from definitely malnourished children as compared with that observed in those of the controls. Stimulation with either LPS or PHA induced a rise in cytokine bioactivity in the supernatants of PBMC cultures from the different nutritional groups tested. Interestingly, IL-6 was significantly increased in the supernatants of PHA-stimulated cultures from malnourished children as compared with those of the controls.
Thymosin Alpha-1: Evidence for an Antiatherogenic Effect
Authors: Ademoglu Evin , Gökkuşu Cahide , Öz Büge 
Published: April 2003

In the present study, the effects of thymosin α<sub>1</sub> on lipid peroxidation were studied in an in vivo model of experimental hypercholesterolemia. In groups II–IV, rabbits were fed a high-cholesterol diet 2% (w/w) for 10 weeks. Thereafter, rabbits in group III were fed a normal diet for another 14 days and those in group IV were given a normal diet plus 25 µg/kg thymosin α<sub>1</sub> intraperitoneally every other day for the same period. At the end of this period, plasma and erythrocyte lipid levels and susceptibility of erythrocytes to lipid peroxidation were determined in all groups. Hypercholesterolemic rabbits had high plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxide (TBARS) levels compared to control animals fed a normal diet. Plasma and erythrocyte TBARS levels significantly decreased in the thymosin-α<sub>1</sub>-injected rabbits. In thymosin-α<sub>1</sub>-treated animals (group IV), most of the lipid plaques were replaced by fibrous tissue. These findings suggest that thymosin α<sub>1</sub> may have some beneficial effects on the treatment of atherosclerosis by normalizing blood lipid levels and by substantially protecting endothelial cells against free radical injury.
Does Prolonged Exercise Alter Diet-Induced Thermogenesis?
Authors: Ohnaka Masaharu , Iwamoto Masako , Sakamoto Sadaichi , Niwa Yasuharu , Matoba Hideki , Nakayasu Kimiko , Nakaya Yutaka 
Published: April 2003

Diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) is mainly an insulin-mediated response and the result of fat and glycogen synthesis. We investigated DIT at rest and after exercise to clarify the mechanism of exercise-induced changes in DIT in 6 healthy men (mean age 36 ± 16 years). Subjects exercised for 1 h at 58% of maximal O<sub>2</sub> consumption on a bicycle ergometer and then rested for 8 h sitting in a comfortable chair (exercise experiment). On a different day, subjects rested for 8 h without preceding exercising (non-exercise experiment). At 12.30 h, the subjects were given their second meal. DIT to individual meal did not differ significantly between the exercise and non-exercise days. Increased insulin sensitivity and increased free fatty acid oxidation by exercise may facilitate the conversion of glucose to glycogen in muscle. On the other hand, insulin secretion expressed as the ratio of plasma levels of insulin to glucose after the meal was significantly decreased in the exercise experiment (p < 0.05). Study of heart rate variability showed that sympathetic tone, a primary hormonal determinant of glucose metabolism during exercise, was increased and parasympathetic tone was decreased during the recovery period in the exercise experiment (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that changes in DIT are affected by many factors and may be related to the balance between these counteracting factors.