bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcatheter Arterial Embolization with Zinostatin Stimalamer for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Okusaka Takuji , Okada Shuichi , Ueno Hideki , Ikeda Masafumi , Iwata Ryoko , Furukawa Hiroyoshi , Takayasu Kenichi , Moriyama Noriyuki , Sato Tosiya , Sato Keiko 
Published: April 2003

Zinostatin stimalamer (SMANCS) is a lipophilic intra-arterial chemotherapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In our previous study, transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy using SMANCS for HCC showed a response rate of 20%. In an effort to obtain a superior anti-tumor effect against HCC, we conducted a phase II study of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using SMANCS and gelatin sponge in 50 chemotherapy-naive patients with HCC. Four milligrams SMANCS plus 4 ml lipiodol emulsion was injected into the hepatic artery, followed by an injection of gelatin sponge. The responses were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) 1 month after treatment and thereafter every 3–4 months. One patient (2%) showed complete response and 15 patients (30%) had partial response resulting in an overall response rate of 32% (16/50; 95% confidence interval 19–45%). In 33 patients (66%), the disease remained stable, and 1 patient (2%) showed progressive disease. In 35 patients (70%), the rate of necrotic area to whole tumor was more than 50% according to the evaluation method using lipiodol accumulation in CT. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 90, 55 and 19%, respectively. Grade 3 hematological toxicity was observed as thrombocytopenia in 2 patients (4%). Grade 3 and 4 non-hematological toxicity (liver dysfunction) occurred in 17 (34%) and 7 patients (14%), respectively. TAE using SMANCS, which was well tolerated, may be an effective treatment for advanced HCC.
<i>Chlamydia</i> in Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Vécsei Pia V. , Kircher Karl , Reitner Andreas , Khanakha Gelas , Stanek Gerold 
Published: April 2003

There is an increasing body of evidence linking the common respiratory human pathogen <i>Chlamydia pneumoniae</i> with atherosclerosis and other vascular disorders. Our research was designed to investigate the association of this organism with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), representing an acute ischemic disorder of the optic nerve head. Sera were examined of 14 consecutive patients with AION and of 14 age- and sex-matched control subjects with noncardiovascular, nonpulmonary disorders. Antibodies against chlamydial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and outer membrane proteins of <i>C. pneumoniae</i> were determined by ELISA. Further, nucleic acid amplification tests were done in order to detect <i>C. pneumoniae</i>-specific nucleotide sequences. Four patients (29%) were IgA positive, 11 (79%) were IgG positive and 1 (7%) was IgM positive for chlamydial LPS antibodies. In the control group, 36, 79 and 7% were IgA, IgG and IgM positive and showed no significant difference. IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies to <i>C. pneumoniae</i> were found in 43, 79 and 0% and did not differ from matched controls. By the nucleic acid amplification test, specific <i>C. pneumo</i><i>niae</i> sequences were neither detected in the AION patients nor in the control group. These data do not support the association of AION with previous <i>C. pneumoniae</i> infection. However, it remains unclear whether <i>Chlamydia</i> actually initiates atherosclerotic injury, facilitates its progression or plays another role in other vascular disorders.
Modulation of the Negative Inotropic Effect of Haloperidol by Drugs with Positive Inotropic Effects in Isolated Rabbit Heart
Authors: Hatip-Al-Khatib Izzettin , Bolukbaşi-Hatip Funda 
Published: April 2003

Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic drug with inhibitory effects on dopamine and calcium homeostasis. In this study, the effect of haloperidol on the inotropism of rabbits’ isolated heart was investigated by measuring the isovolumetric left ventricular pressure using a balloon in a modified Langendorff perfusion apparatus. Haloperidol at 0.01–0.3 µmol/l induced a negative inotropic effect (E<sub>max</sub> = 77.95 ± 0.19; EC<sub>50</sub> = 0.043 ± 0.002 µmol/l). The effect of haloperidol was decreased by Ca<sup>2+</sup> (E<sub>max</sub> = 42.93 ± 3.22; EC<sub>50</sub> = 0.37 ± 0.07 µmol/l; pD’<sub>2</sub> = 7.01 ± 0.16), Bay K 8644 (E<sub>max</sub> = 30.75 ± 1.33; EC<sub>50</sub> = 10.43 ± 1.5 µmol/l, pD’<sub>2</sub> = 7.13 ± 0.12), and digoxin (E<sub>max </sub> = 42.03 ± 3.72, EC<sub>50</sub> = 0.32 ± 0.05 µmol/l, pD’<sub>2</sub> = 6.81 ± 0.14). The effect of haloperidol was also reduced by norepinephrine (E<sub>max</sub> = 37.16 ± 1.84; EC<sub>50</sub> = 1.73 ± 0.24 µmol/l, pD’<sub>2</sub> = 6.97 ± 0.08) and dopamine (E<sub>max</sub> = 35.68 ± 2.78; EC<sub>50</sub> = 0.69 ± 0.01 µmol/l, pD’<sub>2 </sub>7.48 ± 0.15). However, the effect of haloperidol was nonsignificantly reduced by dobutamine (E<sub>max</sub> = 58.89 ± 5.18; EC<sub>50</sub> = 0.15 ± 0.06 µmol/l, pD’<sub>2</sub> = 5.88 ± 0.47). These results show that the drugs that increase the influx of Ca<sup>2+</sup> into the cardiomyocyte decrease the negative inotropic effect of haloperidol, suggesting that the effect of haloperidol could be mediated via mechanisms involving actions on Ca<sup>2+</sup> entry into the cardiomyocyte. Haloperidol should be used carefully when prescribed for patients with cardiovascular disorders.
Topographic Distribution of Aquaporin 2 mRNA in the Kidney of Dehydrated Rats
Authors: Michimata Mari , Nogae Shoji , Ohta Masahiro , Kaizuma Sakiko , Imai Yutaka , Ito Sadayoshi , Matsubara Mitsunobu 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Stimulation of arginine vasopressin results in an immediate redistribution of water channels (aquaporin 2; AQP2) in the apical membrane of the collecting ducts, leading to water reabsorption. Water restriction for ≧24 h increases AQP2 proteins in the whole collecting duct which is highest in the inner medulla of the kidney, indicating that dehydration enhances synthesis of this protein. Although increased expression of AQP2 mRNA under this condition has been reported, the increased ratio of mRNA expression in the three regions of the kidney, cortex, outer medulla, and inner medulla, during the dehydration is still unclear. <i>Methods:</i> We investigated the AQP2 transcripts using male Sprague-Dawley rats deprived of water for 24 h. Mimic cDNA for competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was constructed by deleting 180 bp at the middle of a 780-bp partial PCR product for rat AQP2 cDNA. In situ hybridization of the kidney and Northern blotting of inner medulla were performed using a 60-bp oligo-cDNA probe which identified rat AQP2 transcripts in the collecting duct. <i>Results:</i> Dehydration resulted in a significant increase in plasma osmolality and arginine vasopressin concentration and urinary osmolality. Competitive PCR demonstrated that dehydration increased AQP2 transcripts in all parts of the kidney, but was highest in the inner medulla. Northern blotting confirmed the high increased rate of AQP2 transcription in the inner medulla. In situ hybridization showed markedly intensified signals in the inner medulla of dehydrated rats. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our data indicate that dehydration increases the abundance of AQP2 transcripts which may be closely associated with enhancement in AQP2 protein synthesis reported previously. This topographically variable increase in transcription is considered to be one of the mechanisms involved in long-term regulation of water permeability in the collecting duct.
Treating Preterm Infants at Risk for Chronic Lung Disease with Dexamethasone Leads to an Impaired Quality of General Movements
Authors: Bos Arend F. , Dibiasi Jasmin , Tiessen Ansje H. , Bergman Klasien A. 
Published: April 2003

Mortality rates do not decline markedly after postnatal corticosteroid therapy and concern has been raised about its neurological sequelae. We studied 37 preterm infants with Prechtl’s method for the qualitative assessment of general movements before, during and after dexamethasone therapy and found that the quality of general movements was impaired in 9 of 13 initially normal infants (p = 0.004, McNemar test). The quality of fidgety movements at 3 months was abnormal in the majority of the infants and correlated strongly with neurological abnormalities at 2 years (Spearman r = 0.785, p < 0.001). Prechtl’s method may prove useful for the early neurological evaluation of alternative corticosteroid treatment strategies for the treatment of chronic lung disease.
N-Tosyl-<i>L</i>-Phenylalanyl-Chloromethyl Ketone Eliminates the Increase in Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 Caused by Brain Injury in the Newborn Rat
Authors: Feng Yangzheng , LeBlanc Michael H. 
Published: April 2003

N-Tosyl-<i>L</i>-phenylalanyl-chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) is neuroprotective in rat pups. We measured bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 to determine the mechanisms. Seven-day-old rats had the right carotid artery ligated and were subjected to 2.5 h of 8% oxygen. Ten mg/kg of PTCK or vehicle was given intraperitoneally 15 min prior to hypoxia. At 24 h after hypoxia the brains were removed. Bcl-2 in the hippocampus increased from 0.149 ± (SE) 0.023 in the shams to 0.289 ± 0.037 with injury and vehicle (p < 0.05 vs. shams), which was reduced to 0.177 ± 0.030 by TPCK ( p < 0.05 vs. vehicle). Bcl-2 in the cortex increased from 0.180 ± 0.037 in the shams to 0.655 ± 0.078 with injury and vehicle (p < 0.01 vs. shams), which was reduced to 0.354 ± 0.035 by TPCK (p < 0.01 vs. vehicle). Bax, measured only in the mitochondrial enriched fraction of the cortex, was unchanged. Caspase-3 activity increased with injury to 245 ± 38% of baseline in the hippocampus (p < 0.01) and to 261 ± 69% in the cortex (p < 0.01). Treatment with TPCK reduced this to 132 ± 16% in the hippocampus (p < 0.01 vs. vehicle) and 140 ± 14% in the cortex (p < 0.05 vs. vehicle). In this experiment TPCK reduces bcl-2 and caspase-3 concentration in animals who have been shown in our previous studies to be protected by TPCK from hypoxic ischemic brain injury. This is consistent with the hypothesis that TPCK produces neuroprotection by blocking the apoptotic cascade between bcl-2 and caspase-3.
Inhibition by Female Sex Steroids of Peristalsis in the Guinea Pig Small Intestine
Authors: Heinemann Akos , Pieber Doris , Holzer Peter 
Published: April 2003

<i>Aims:</i> The effects of steroid hormones on propulsive peristalsis in the intestine were investigated in order to compare their adverse effect profile on this clinically most important motor pattern. <i>Methods:</i> Peristalsis in isolated segments of the guinea pig small intestine was triggered by luminal distension and recorded via the peristalsis-associated changes of the intraluminal pressure. Drug effects on muscular activity were investigated in a circular muscle preparation of the ileum. <i>Results:</i> Estradiol and progesterone, but not testosterone, hydrocortisone or cholesterol (each at 3–30 µ<i>M</i>), caused a prompt and concentration-related increase in the peristaltic pressure threshold at which propulsive muscle contractions were elicited. Mifepristone (RU-486; 30 µ<i>M</i>) did not prevent the inhibitory effect of progesterone, but blocked peristalsis per se. Pharmacological blockade of inhibitory neural pathways with N<sup>G</sup>-nitro-<i>L</i>-arginine methyl ester (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist), apamin or suramin plus pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulphonic acid (P2 purinoceptor blockers) counteracted the inhibitory effect of submaximally (10 µ<i>M</i>), but not maximally (30 µ<i>M</i>), effective concentrations of progesterone. Estradiol and progesterone depressed circular muscle contractions evoked by cholecystokinin octapeptide to a larger degree than responses to the tachykinin NK<sub>1</sub> receptor agonist GR-73,632. <i>Conclusion:</i> The peristaltic motor inhibition caused by sex steroids at micromolar concentrations arises primarily from a depressant action on intestinal muscle activity and may be particularly relevant for high-dose regimens of mifepristone.
Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Acoustic Neuromas
Authors: Williams Jeffery A. 
Published: April 2003

Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSR) for acoustic neuromas offers both higher tumor dose and potential sparing of the facial and auditory cranial nerve functions. Eighty consecutive patients (45 males and 35 females; age 56.8 ± 1.7 years) received FSR for acoustic neuromas and had a median follow-up of 2.9 years (range 2.3–6.5 years). For FSR, 70 patients had 5 daily fractions of 5 Gy (25 Gy total) and 10 patients had 10 daily fractions of 3 Gy (30 Gy total). Volume decreased by an average of 18%. No tumor increased in size, no patient developed facial weakness, and hearing was preserved.
Plasma Levels of Endothelin-1 in Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Cellini Mauro , Santiago Luigi , Versura Piera , Caramazza Roberto 
Published: April 2003

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disorder clinically characterized by a pale, waxy optic nerve head, attenuated retinal blood vessels and bone spicule pigment in the retina. Hemodynamic studies have demonstrated that RP is associated with a reduction in the retinal and choroidal blood flow. Retinal hemodynamic impairment is also present in the early stages of RP and various hypotheses have been advanced as to its cause. The authors studied 20 patients, 12 males and 8 females, aged between 26 and 42 years (mean 34.6 years) affected by simplex RP. The twenty patients were divided in two groups according to the degree of sight impairment: group A consisted of 10 patients with a visual acuity of 0.3 ± 0.1, visual field mean defect 18.988 ± 3.419 dB and b-wave electroretinogram amplitude of 13.14 ± 0.308 µV. Group B consisted of 10 patients with a visual acuity of 0.8 ± 0.2, visual field MD 10.523 ± 3.582 dB and b-wave electroretinogram amplitude of 26.000 ± 0.757 µV. An increase in plasma levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) was found as compared with healthy controls: 1.910 ± 0.617 pg/ml vs. 1.180 ± 0.210 pg/ml (p < 0.021), but there was no statistical difference between group A and B (p < 0.163). It is thought that an increase in ET-1 and retinal oxygen levels in RP could lead to vasoconstriction and a decrease in the retinal blood flow worsening the abiotrophic process.
Malignant Transformation of Optic Disc Melanocytoma? A Clinical Dilemma at Presentation with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Sharma Parul M. , Sangal Kartikeya , Malik Praveen , Mathur M.B. 
Published: April 2003

Malignant transformation of optic disc melanocytoma is an uncommon feature, although in the past a few cases have been reported. Though our case, a healthy 30-year-old female, presented with all clinical features of melanocytoma, the triad of moderate visual loss, elevation of the lesion of 5.2 mm and an atypical ultrasonic picture could be an indication of malignant change at presentation. In the event of a moderate visual loss, long-term follow-up with serial fundus photographs and ultrasonic measurements is necessary for further management.
Eosinophilic Fasciitis (Shulman Syndrome)
Authors: Mosconi Sandro , Streit Markus , Brönimann Marcel , Braathen Lasse R. 
Published: April 2003

We report a case of a 30-year-old Caucasian patient with progressive sclerosis of the skin mainly on the upper limbs which was diagnosed as eosinophilic fasciitis (Shulman syndrome). Circulating antibodies against <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> were detected. The association of <i>B. burgdorferi</i> infection with eosinophilic fasciitis is discussed.
Chromosome banding in Amphibia
Authors: Schmid M. , Feichtinger W. , Steinlein C. , Rupprecht A. , Haaf T. , Kaiser H. 
Published: April 2003

Highly differentiated, heteromorphic ZZ♀/ZW♂ sex chromosomes were found in the karyotypes of the neotropical leptodactylid frogs <i>Eleutherodactylus euphronides</i> and <i>E. shrevei</i>. The W chromosomes are the largest heterochromatic, female-specific chromosomes so far discovered in the class Amphibia. The analyses of the banding patterns with AT- and GC base-pair specific fluorochromes show that the constitutive heterochromatin in the giant W chromosomes consists of various categories of repetitive DNA sequences. The W chromosomes of both species are similar in size, morphology and banding patterns, whereas their Z chromosomes exhibit conspicuous differences. In the cell nuclei of female animals, the W chromosomes form very prominent chromatin bodies (W chromatin). DNA flow cytometric measurements demonstrate clear differences in the DNA content of male and female erythrocytes caused by the giant W chromosome, and also shows that these <i>Eleutherodactylus</i> genomes are among the smallest of all amphibian genomes. The importance of the heteromorphic ZW sex chromosomes for the study of Z-linked genes, the similarities and differences of the two karyotypes, and the significance of the exceptionally small genomes are discussed.
Inhibition of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme by Quercetin Alters the Vascular Response to Bradykinin and Angiotensin I
Authors: Häckl L.P.N. , Cuttle G. , Sanches Dovichi S. , Lima-Landman M.T. , Nicolau M. 
Published: April 2003

Quercetin, one of the most widely distributed flavonoids in the plant kingdom, inhibits various enzymes. This study examined its inhibitory effect on the angiotensin-converting enzyme activity through the cardiovascular response to bradykinin and angiotensin I. Quercetin pretreatment (88.7 µmol/kg p.o., 45 min; 14.7 µmol/kg i.v., 5 min) significantly potentiated the hypotensive effect of bradykinin (10 nmol/kg i.v.). This association was significantly attenuated by an antagonist of the B2 receptor. In addition, the hypertensive response to angiotensin I (0.1 nmol/kg i.v.) was significantly reduced by quercetin pretreatment using the same parameters as before. These results suggest an inhibitory effect of quercetin on the angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, similar to that of captopril. Quercetin was equally effective when given orally or intravenously.
Elimination of Electrically Induced Iontophoretic Artefacts: Implications for Non-Invasive Assessment of Peripheral Microvascular Function
Authors: Ferrell William R. , Ramsay Jane E. , Brooks Naomi , Lockhart John C. , Dickson Sylvia , McNeece Grainne M. , Greer Ian A. , Sattar Naveed 
Published: April 2003

Iontophoretic assessment of skin microvascular function is complicated by the occurrence of electrically induced hyperaemia, especially at the cathode. Studies were performed to identify means of reducing such effects. Skin vasodilator responses were measured using a laser Doppler imager that controlled iontophoretic current delivery. A novel feature involved monitoring voltage across the iontophoresis chambers. Comparison between responses to vehicle (distilled H<sub>2</sub>O), acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) showed electrically induced hyperaemia at the cathode associated with the vehicle, whose time course overlapped with that of the SNP response. Voltage across the chambers containing drugs dissolved in H<sub>2</sub>O was significantly (p = 0.018, n = 7) lower than the voltage profile of H<sub>2</sub>O alone. H<sub>2</sub>O iontophoresis was associated with cathodal hyperaemic responses in most subjects, whereas a 0.5% NaCl vehicle produced lower voltages and eliminated this artefact. Voltage·time integral rather than charge was the prime determinant of electrically induced hyperaemic responses. No significant correlation was found between skin fold thickness and either calculated skin resistance (r<sup>2</sup> = 0.0002) or vascular response to ACh (r<sup>2</sup> = 0.13). Smaller chamber size led to higher voltages and greater electrically induced hyperaemic responses. These appear to be prostaglandin dependent as they were ablated by cyclooxygenase inhibition. Use of a low-resistance vehicle combined with larger chamber sizes and lower currents can prevent such artefacts, thereby increasing the robustness of this methodology for clinical assessment of endothelial function.
A Novel Rat Model of Carotid Artery Stenting for the Understanding of Restenosis in Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Finn Aloke V. , Gold Herman K. , Tang Anita , Weber Deena K. , Wight Thomas N. , Clermont Allen , Virmani Renu , Kolodgie Frank D. 
Published: April 2003

The effects of risk modifiers such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension on vascular healing after stent deployment are largely unknown, because of a lack of an appropriate animal model to study. Since many inbred strains of rats expressing these phenotypes are available, we validated a carotid artery model of in-stent restenosis in the rat. A detailed histomorphometric analysis was performed on 2-cell Multi-Link<sup>TM</sup> stents (1.5 × 5 mm) deployed in the common carotid artery of male Wistar rats. Early focal thrombus formation around stent struts with adherent leukocytes was evident by day 3. The number of ED-1-positive macrophages was maximal by day 7 and declined markedly thereafter. Neointimal cell proliferation peaked by day 7 (19.3 ± 6.9) and progressively decreased to <2% by day 60. By day 14, neointimal area was significantly increased (0.39 ± 0.03 vs. 0.18 ± 0.05 mm<sup>2</sup> at day 7, p = 0.003) characterized by an enhanced number of α-actin-positive smooth muscle cells surrounded by extracellular matrix rich in versican and hyaluronan. At day 28, neointimal area was maximal accompanied by an appreciable decrease in the staining intensity for hyaluronan and versican. By day 60, neointimal area decreased significantly (0.28 ± 0.04 vs. 0.45 ± 0.07 mm<sup>2</sup> at day 28, p = 0.04) independent of a change in cell density. This regression phase was accompanied by a marked increase in elastin fibrils and collagen type I. In summary, vascular healing following carotid artery stenting in the rat parallels that of larger animals; however, it is accelerated relative to humans.
The Role of Nuclear Factor-kappaB and Melanogenesis in Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Induced Apoptosis of Normal Human Melanocytes
Authors: Shang Jing , Eberle Jürgen , Geilen Christoph C. , Hossini Amir M. , Fecker Lothar F. , Orfanos Constantin E. , Tebbe Beate 
Published: April 2003

The proapoptotic potential of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has been demonstrated for various cell types, whereas nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-ĸB) is known to support the transcription of prosurvival genes. In the present study, investigation of normal human melanocytes revealed induction of apoptosis after TNF-α treatment (100 U/ml) in only 3 out of 11 cultures analyzed, whereas 8 cultures remained largely resistant. In sensitive cultures, NF-ĸB binding activity was found increased after TNF-α treatment; apoptosis-resistant cells were characterized by relatively high basic NF-ĸB binding activities and did not show NF-ĸB activation after TNF-α treatment. Inhibition of NF-ĸB by a specific inhibitor, Bay-11, either induced apoptosis itself or resistant melanocyte cultures became sensitive to TNF-α treatment. No correlation was found between apoptosis sensitivity and the expression of TNF receptor-1 or the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and Bcl-X<sub>L</sub>. A strong correlation, however, was found regarding the pigmentation degree, as high pigmentation correlated with apoptosis resistance and sensitive melanocyte cultures were weakly pigmented. These data may indicate that in cultured melanocytes, high levels of melanogenesis lead to an increase in oxidative stress which itself causes NF-ĸB activation. NF-ĸB mediates the transcription of antiapoptotic factors which may block TNF-α-induced apoptosis at early steps of the signal cascade.