bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of cyp2e1 and cyp3a activities in histamine‐deficient histidine decarboxylase gene targeted mice
Authors: Tamási Viola , Fülöp A. Kristóf , Hegyi Krisztina , Monostory Katalin , Falus András 
Published: November 2003

AbstractHistamine is a biogenic amine with multiple physiological functions. Its importance in allergic inflammation is well characterized; moreover, it plays a role in the regulation of gastric acid production, various hypothalamic functions, such as food uptake, and enhancing TH2 balance during immune responses. Using histidine decarboxylase gene targeted (HDC−/−) BALB/c mice, we studied the effect of the absence of histamine on four cytochrome P450 enzyme activities. Their selective substrates were measured: ethoxyresorufin O‐dealkylase activity of CYP1A, pentoxyresorufin O‐dealkylase activity of CYP2B, chlorzoxazone 6‐hydroxylase activity of CYP2E1 and ethylmorphine N‐demethylase activity of CYP3A.The results indicate a significant elevation of CYP2E1 and CYP3A activities, however, no change in CYP1A and CYP2B activities was seen in HDC targeted mice compared to wild type controls with identical genetic backgrounds.
Bcl‐2 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide increases the sensitivity of leukemic cells to arsenic trioxide
Authors: Zhang Y. , Shen W.L. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractCell culture, tissue chemistry and flow cytometry were used to determine whether antisense bcl‐2 oligodeoxynucleotides enhanced the sensitivity of leukemia cells to arsenic trioxide. A combination of arsenic trioxide with antisense bcl‐2 oligodeoxynucleotides inhibited cell growth, induced apoptosis and induced bcl‐2 protein expression in K562 and NB4 leukemic cells more significantly than either arsenic trioxide or the oligodeoxynucleotides on their own (P<0.01). Thus, bcl‐2 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides increase the sensitivity of leukemic cells to arsenic trioxide. Combined use of the two agents could be a novel and attractive strategy in leukemia treatment.
Upward trends in the use of community mental health and social work services in the Netherlands between 1979 and 1995: are particular sociodemographic groups responsible?
Authors: Ten Have M. , Te Grotenhuis M. , Meertens V. , Scheepers P. , Beekman A. T. F. , Vollebergh W. 
Published: November 2003

Objective:  We investigate 1) trends in use of community mental health care (CMHC) and community social work (CSW) by Dutch households in 1979–1995; 2) whether such trends can be explained by long‐term relative changes in service use or in sizes of particular household categories.Method:  Data was derived from the Facilities Use Surveys, cross‐sectional population studies recording Dutch household characteristics and service use since 1979. A simulation technique was used to explain trends in service use.Results:  Use of CMHC and CSW virtually doubled in recent decades. Such trends are not explained by increasing relative service utilization in particular household categories, and only marginally by shifts in the relative sizes of such categories. They are attributable to growing rates of utilization throughout society.Conclusion:  Trends in service use are explained by broad changes in help‐seeking behaviour. Policymakers should act on these findings to narrow the persisting inequalities in service uptake.
Indications for and outcome of antidepressant medication in a general population: a prescription database and medical record study, in Jämtland county, Sweden, 1995
Authors: Henriksson S. , Boëthius G. , Håkansson J. , Isacsson G. 
Published: November 2003

Objective:  To examine the indications for prescribing antidepressants and the clinical outcome when they are prescribed for the treatment of depression, and compare tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in these respects.Method:  A naturalistic study of a prospective prescription monitoring database and medical records.Results:  Depression was the indication for 23% of the tricyclic treatments and for 82% of the SSRI treatments. A successful treatment of the depression was found in 20% of the TCA cases and 41% of the SSRI cases (NS).Conclusion:  This study provides evidence that the main use of SSRIs in 1995 is the treatment of depression. The study implies that SSRIs have a more favourable outcome in ‘real life’ than TCAs.
Clinical and sociodemographic predictors of response to augmentation, or dose increase among depressed outpatients resistant to fluoxetine 20 mg/day
Authors: Perlis R. H. , Alpert J. , Nierenberg A. A. , Mischoulon D. , Yeung A. , Rosenbaum J. F. , Fava M. 
Published: November 2003

Objective: Patients with major depressive disorder often show only partial or no response to antidepressants, necessitating next‐step interventions such as dose increase or augmentation. Factors moderating response to these next‐step interventions are not well‐studied.Method: In this randomized, double‐blind investigation of next‐step treatments in 101 outpatients who failed to respond to fluoxetine 20 mg for 8 weeks, the impact of depressive course and sociodemographic factors on likelihood of treatment response following dose increase or lithium or desipramine augmentation was examined.Results: After controlling for depression severity at baseline, current marriage and earlier onset of depression were associated with greater likelihood of response in a logistic regression. Intervention strategy was not predictive of response.Conclusion: Marital status and earlier onset of depression may be clinically useful in predicting outcome following any next‐step intervention for treatment resistance, rather than with particular strategies.
Association of meteorological factors with suicide
Authors: Deisenhammer E. A. , Kemmler G. , Parson P. 
Published: November 2003

Objective:  To identify weather factors associated with an increased risk of suicide. In a number of prior studies an influence of meteorological conditions on the incidence of suicide or attempted suicide has been suggested.Method:  Official data on the suicide cases of the state of Tyrol, Austria, assessed over a period of 6 years (n = 702) were correlated with a number of meteorological factors assessed at eight weather stations.Results:  The risk of committing suicide was significantly higher on days with high temperatures, low relative humidity or a thunderstorm and on days following a thunderstorm. The multiple logistic regression analysis left ‘temperature’ and ‘thunderstorm on the preceding day’ as significant factors, even after adjustment for sociodemographic and geographical variables.Conclusion:  Within the interaction of psychological and environmental influences in the development of suicidal ideation and behaviour, specific meteorological conditions may additionally contribute to the risk of suicide in predisposed individuals.
18O composition of CO2 and H2O ecosystem pools and fluxes in a tallgrass prairie: Simulations and comparisons to measurements
Authors: Riley William J. , Still Christopher J. , Helliker Brent R. , Ribas‐Carbo Miguel , Berry Joseph A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIn this paper we describe measurements and modeling of 18O in CO2 and H2O pools and fluxes at a tallgrass prairie site in Oklahoma. We present measurements of the δ18O value of leaf water, depth‐resolved soil water, atmospheric water vapor, and Keeling plot δ18O intercepts for net soil‐surface CO2 and ecosystem CO2 and H2O fluxes during three periods of the 2000 growing season. Daytime discrimination against C18OO, as calculated from measured above‐canopy CO2 and δ18O gradients, is also presented. To interpret the isotope measurements, we applied an integrated land‐surface and isotope model (ISOLSM) that simulates ecosystem H218O and C18OO stocks and fluxes. ISOLSM accurately predicted the measured isotopic composition of ecosystem water pools and the δ18O value of net ecosystem CO2 and H2O fluxes. Simulations indicate that incomplete equilibration between CO2 and H2O within C4 plant leaves can have a substantial impact on ecosystem discrimination. Diurnal variations in the δ18O value of above‐canopy vapor had a small impact on the predicted δ18O value of ecosystem water pools, although sustained differences had a large impact. Diurnal variations in the δ18O value of above‐canopy CO2 substantially affected the predicted ecosystem discrimination. Leaves dominate the ecosystem 18O‐isoflux in CO2 during the growing season, while the soil contribution is relatively small and less variable. However, interpreting daytime measurements of ecosystem C18OO fluxes requires accurate predictions of both soil and leaf 18O‐isofluxes.
Climate change and extension of the Ginkgo biloba L. growing season in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuho , Ohta Takeshi , Irasawa Michiya , Nakamura Tsutomu 
Published: November 2003

AbstractTo understand the effects of climate change on the growing season of plants in Japan, we conducted trend analysis of phenological phases and examined the relationship between phenology and air temperatures. We used phenological data for Ginkgo biloba L., collected from 1953 to 2000. We defined the beginning and the end of the growing season (BGS and EGS) as the dates of budding and leaf fall, respectively. Changes in the air temperature in the 45 days before the date of BGS affected annual variation in BGS. The annual variation in air temperature over the 85 days before EGS affected the date of EGS. The average annual air temperature in Japan has increased by 1.3°C over the last four decades (1961–2000), and this increase has caused changes in ginkgo phenology. In the last five decades (1953–2000), BGS has occurred approximately 4 days earlier than previously, and EGS has occurred about 8 days later. Consequently, since 1953 the length of the growing season (LGS) has been extended by 12 days. Since around 1970, LGS and air temperatures have shown increasing trends. Although many researchers have stated that phenological events are not affected by the air temperature in the fall, we found high correlations not only between budding dates and air temperatures in spring but also between leaf‐fall dates and air temperatures in autumn. If the mean annual air temperature increases by 1°C, LGS could be extended by 10 days. We also examined the spatial distribution of the rate of LGS extension, but we did not find an obvious relationship between LGS extension and latitude.
Potential for detecting changes in soil organic carbon concentrations resulting from climate change
Authors: Conen Franz , Yakutin Mikhail V. , Sambuu Anna D. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe interaction between soil organic carbon pools and climate change is an important determinant of future atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Much effort has so far been allocated to manipulative process studies and predictive modelling exercises. Here, we examine the potential for directly detecting predicted changes through repeated soil sampling. Two contrasting benchmark plots were selected in the steppe at the Russian–Mongolian border, where soil organic carbon losses are predicted to be around 10% over the first 50 years of climate change. In both plots, 50 samples were taken to 20 and 30 cm depths. The estimated time intervals before re‐sampling by the same method that were likely to prove significant soil organic carbon losses (α=0.05; statistical power=0.90) were 43 and 26 years.
Influence of total intravenous and inhalational anaesthesia on haemostasis during tympanoplasty
Authors: Özer E. , Çeli̇ker V. , Aypar Ü. , Başgül E. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Surgical trauma leads to systemic changes in haemostasis. Haematological changes activated by surgery may become so prominent that changes caused by anaesthesia might be hidden or underestimated. Therefore, we have undertaken a prospective study to compare the behaviour of selected factors involved in the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems.Methods:  Forty healthy adult patients scheduled for otological surgery were enrolled in the study. Upon receiving informed consent, they were randomly assigned to receive either inhalational (IA) or total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA). Platelet function (PFA100TM), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) panel, and generalized d‐dimer (GFC) were studied during certain periods of anaesthesia to identify the changes in haemostasis.Results:  Statistically, no significant change in DIC parameters were encountered between the two groups. No statistical difference was found between the two groups in the measured coagulation parameters, but statistically GFC showed slight activation in the 1st hour of surgical intervention.Conclusion:  Presuming a minimal traumatic effect of surgical procedure on the determined variables, we conclude that different anaesthetic techniques have a negligible effect on platelet activation and fibrinolysis. The clinical relevance of coagulation activation and fibrinolysis during different anaesthetic techniques remains to be investigated.
Cognitive dysfunction after minor surgery in the elderly
Authors: Canet J. , Raeder J. , Rasmussen L. S. , Enlund M. , Kuipers H. M. , Hanning C. D. , Jolles J. , Korttila K. , Siersma V. D. , Dodds C. , Abildstrom H. , Sneyd J. R. , Vila P. , Johnson T. , Muñoz Corsini L. , Silverstein J. H. , Nielsen I. K. , Moller J. T. ,   for the ispocd2 investigators
Published: November 2003

Background:  Major surgery is frequently associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients. Type of surgery and hospitalization may be important prognostic factors. The aims of the study were to find the incidence and risk factors for POCD in elderly patients undergoing minor surgery.Methods:  We enrolled 372 patients aged greater than 60 years scheduled for minor surgery under general anesthesia. According to local practice, patients were allocated to either in‐ (199) or out‐patient (173) care. Cognitive function was assessed using neuropsychological testing preoperatively and 7 days and 3 months postoperatively. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction was defined using Z‐score analysis.Results:  At 7 days, the incidence (confidence interval) of POCD in patients undergoing minor surgery was 6.8% (4.3–10.1). At 3 months the incidence of POCD was 6.6% (4.1–10.0). Logistic regression analysis identified the following significant risk factors: age greater than 70 years (odds ratio [OR]: 3.8 [1.7–8.7], P = 0.01) and in‐ vs. out‐patient surgery (OR: 2.8 [1.2–6.3], P = 0.04).Conclusions:  Our finding of less cognitive dysfunction in the first postoperative week in elderly patients undergoing minor surgery on an out‐patient basis supports a strategy of avoiding hospitalization of older patients when possible.
Post‐operative hypoalbuminaemia and procalcitonin elevation for prediction of outcome in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery
Authors: Fritz H. G. , Brandes H. , Bredle D. L. , Bitterlich A. , Vollandt R. , Specht M. , Franke U. F. W. , Wahlers T. , Meier‐Hellmann A. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Because few studies have addressed postoperative hypoalbuminaemia in relation to hospital mortality, we evaluated this association and the prognostic value of increased procalcitonin (PCT) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery.Methods:  In 454 consecutive patients undergoing CPB, minimal serum albumin, colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and maximal PCT were retrospectively obtained from the 2nd to 10th postoperative day. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and multiple regression analyses determined independent predictive strength for 28‐day mortality from preoperative albumin, Euroscore, postoperative minimal albumin and COP, and maximal PCT. Cut‐off points for the four strongest predictors were calculated by the area under the curve (AUC) in the ROC for the 28‐day mortality.Results:  Maximal PCT showed the largest AUC (0.85; 95% CI 0.79–0.90) and the highest relative risk (RR 12.17; 95%CI 5.26–28.16; P < 0.001), compared with postoperative albumin (AUC 0.72; 95% CI 0.62–0.81; RR 5.35; 95%CI 2.99–9.56; P < 0.001) and EuroSCORE (AUC 0.73; 95%CI 0.63–0.83; RR 4.48; 95%CI: 1.78–11.28; P < 0.01). By logistic regression, postoperative albumin was the strongest predictor of mortality (odds ratio 0.86; 95% CI 0.84–0.89). Cut‐off values for predicting 28‐day mortality were found for postoperative albumin and PCT at 17.8 g l−1 and 2.5 ng l−1, respectively. A slight but significant inverse correlation between PCT and albumin was found. Patients with albumin less than the cut‐off showed significantly higher median values for PCT levels (2.5 vs. 1.0 g l−1), a higher 28‐day mortality rate (20.8% vs. 4.5%), and a longer ICU stay (6 vs. 3 days) in comparison with patients with minimal albumin greater than 18 g l−1.Conclusions:  Post‐operative serum albumin <18 g l−1 and PCT  >2.5 ng l−1 are predictive for a higher 28‐day mortality rate in cardiosurgical patients. Both peak PCT and minimal albumin were better outcome predictors than the Euroscore, which better represents the preoperative condition of the patient.
Effects of posture on postoperative pulmonary function
Authors: Nielsen K. G. , Holte K. , Kehlet H. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Pulmonary morbidity is still a relevant complication to major surgery despite improvements in surgical technique and anaesthetic methods. Postoperative posture may be a pathogenic factor, but the effects of changes in postoperative posture on pulmonary function have not been reviewed.Methods:  Review of controlled, clinical trials evaluating postoperative pulmonary function in patients positioned in the supine vs. the sitting or standing position and patients positioned in the supine vs. the lateral position. Data were obtained from a search in the Medline and Cochrane databases (1966 – August 2002) and manually searched bibliographies of the identified papers.Results:  Eighteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies evaluated the supine vs. the sitting or standing position and six studies evaluated the supine vs. the lateral position. Six of 12 studies found a positive effect on postoperative pulmonary function in the sitting or standing position compared with the supine. Thus, avoidance of the supine position may improve postoperative pulmonary function. Three of six studies showed a positive effect on postoperative pulmonary function of the lateral side compared with the supine. Thus, the lateral position has limited effects on pulmonary function.Conclusion:  Changes of postoperative position from supine to sitting or standing are of major importance in the interpretation of postoperative pulmonary outcome studies and in future strategies to improve pulmonary outcome.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mivacurium in patients phenotypically heterozygous for the usual and atypical plasma cholinesterase variants (UA)
Authors: Østergaard D. , Viby‐Mogensen J. , Rasmussen S. N. , Gätke M. R. , Pedersen N. A. , Skovgaard L. T. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Mivacurium is hydrolyzed by plasma cholinesterase (pChe). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacodynamics and the pharmacokinetics of the three isomers of mivacurium in patients phenotypically heterozygous for the usual and the atypical pChe variant (UA).Methods:  Thirty‐two patients were included in a dose–response study, in which the patients received one of four doses of mivacurium. An additional bolus dose of mivacurium, to a total of 0.1 mg kg−1, was given followed by a continuous infusion adjusted to maintain 91–99% neuromuscular block. The times to different levels of recovery following the infusion were measured using mechanomyography and train‐of‐four (TOF) nerve stimulation. Twelve of the patients with an estimated duration of anaesthesia of more than 90 min were (randomly) selected for the pharmacokinetic part of the study. Venous samples were taken for determination of the three isomers of mivacurium. These results were compared with results from a previous study in phenotypically normal patients (UU).Results:  The estimated ED50 and ED95 were 24 and 69 µg kg−1, respectively. The median (range) infusion rate was 3.7 µg kg−1 min−1 (1.2–2.9) and the time to a TOF ratio of 0.7 was 29.8 min (16.1–44.8). The median clearances of the cis‐cis, cis‐trans and trans‐trans isomers were 3.7, 29 and 28 ml kg−1 min−1, respectively. The elimination half‐lives of the isomers were 45, 6.7 and 6.3 min, respectively.Conclusion:  In patients heterozygous for the usual and the atypical variant (UA), the potency of mivacurium is higher, the infusion requirements lower and the rate of spontaneous recovery prolonged, compared with phenotypically normal patients. The clearances of the active isomers are significantly lower and the elimination half‐lives longer in heterozygous patients than in phenotypically normal patients (UU). The pharmacokinetics of the inactive cis‐cis isomer was not affected.
The effect of sevoflurane on cerebral blood flow velocity in children
Authors: Fairgrieve R. , Rowney D. A. , Karsli C. , Bissonnette B. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Sevoflurane is a suitable agent for neuroanesthesia in adult patients. In children, cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity is maintained during hypo‐ and normocapnia under sevoflurane anesthesia. To determine the effects of sevoflurane on middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Vmca) in neurologically normal children, Vmca was measured both at different MAC values and at one MAC over a specified time period, using transcranial Doppler sonography.Methods:  Twenty‐six healthy children undergoing elective urological surgery were enrolled (16 patients in part I and 10 in part II). In part I of the study anesthesia comprised sevoflurane 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 MAC in 30% oxygen and a caudal epidural block. Once steady state had been reached at each sevoflurane MAC level, three measurements of Vmca, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. In part II of the study patients received sevoflurane 1.0 MAC over a 90‐min period, with the same variables being recorded at 15‐min intervals.Results:  Vmca did not vary significantly at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 MAC sevoflurane. There was a significant decrease in MAP between 0.5 MAC and 1.0 MAC sevoflurane (P < 0.005) and also between 1.0 MAC and 1.5 MAC (P < 0.01). There was no significant change in Vmca over 90 min at 1.0 MAC sevoflurane.Conclusion:  Sevoflurane does not significantly affect cerebral blood flow velocity in healthy children at working concentrations.