bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lysine-Rich Histone (H1) Is a Lysyl Substrate of Tissue Transglutaminase: Possible Involvement of Transglutaminase in the Formation of Nuclear Aggregates in (CAG)<sub>n</sub>/Q<sub>n</sub> Expansion Diseases
Authors: Cooper Arthur J.L. , Wang Jianping , Pasternack Ralf , Fuchsbauer Hans-Lothar , Sheu Rex K.-F. , Blass John P. 
Published: April 2003

Histone H1, which contains about 27% lysine, is an excellent lysyl donor substrate of Ca<sup>2+</sup>-activated guinea pig liver tissue transglutaminase as judged by rapid fluorescence enhancement in the presence of the glutaminyl-donor substrate 1-N-(carbobenzoxy-<i>L</i>-glutaminylglycyl)-5-N-(5′N′N′-dimethylaminonaphthalenesulfonyl) diamidopentane. Sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of a 30-min reaction mixture revealed the presence of fluorescent high-M<sub>r</sub> aggregates, which are also formed when histone H1 is incubated solely with activated tissue transglutaminase. Aggregate formation is even more pronounced when histone H1 is incubated with activated tissue transglutaminase and dimethylcasein (glutaminyl donor only). The findings suggest not only that histone H1 is an especially good lysyl substrate of tissue transglutaminase, but that it is also a glutaminyl substrate. Histone H1 is a good lysyl substrate of transglutaminase purified from <i>Streptoverticillium mobaraense</i>, suggesting that the ability of histone H1 to act as a transglutaminase lysyl substrate is widespread. In agreement with previous studies, it was found that human β-endorphin is a moderately good substrate of tissue transglutaminase. At least 8 neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington’s disease, are caused by (CAG)<sub>n</sub> expansions in the genome and by an expansion of the corresponding polyglutamine domain within the expressed, mutated protein. Polyglutamine domains are excellent substrates of liver and brain transglutaminases. A hallmark of many of the (CAG)<sub>n</sub>/polyglutamine expansion diseases is the presence of polyglutamine-containing aggregates within the cytosol and nuclei of affected neurons. Transglutaminase activity occurs in both of these compartments in human brain. In future studies, it will be important to determine whether transglutaminases play a role in (1) cross-linking of histone H1 to glutaminyl donors (including polyglutamine domains) in nuclear chromatin, (2) the formation of nuclear aggregates in (CAG)<sub>n</sub>/polyglutamine expansion diseases, (3) DNA laddering and cell death in neurodegenerative diseases and (4) depletion of neuropeptides in vulnerable regions of Huntington’s disease brain.
Long-Term Cefuroxime Axetil in Subacute Cutaneous Lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rudnicka Lidia , Szymańska Elżbieta , Walecka Irena , Słowińska Monika 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is a subset of lupus erythematosus characterized mainly by prominent photoaggravated cutaneous manifestations. Standard therapies for SCLE include topical or systemic steroids and antimalarial drugs. Both methods show limited efficacy in clearing cutaneous lesions and occasionally produce serious side effects. <i>Aim:</i> To assess the efficacy of cefuroxime axetil, an oral cephalosporin with antibacterial and immunosuppressive activity, in patients with SCLE. <i>Methods:</i> Three patients with SCLE were treated with cefuroxime axetil at a daily dose of 500 mg for 30–60 days. <i>Results:</i> In all patients complete clearing of skin lesions was achieved and no side effects were observed. <i>Conclusion:</i> We suggest that long-term cefuroxime axetil administration might be an alternative treatment for patients with SCLE skin lesions.
Downward Trend of Sensitization to Glyceryl Monothioglycolate in German Hairdressers<footref rid="foot01"><sup>1</sup></footref>
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Geier Johannes , Schnuch Axel 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Due to a high incidence of cases of (occupational) sensitization to glyceryl monothioglycolate (GMT), products containing this compound were withdrawn from the German market some 8 years ago. <i>Methods:</i> We analyzed the data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology in Germany which included 1,336 hairdressers who had been tested with GMT (1% in petrolatum) between 1992 and 1998. <i>Results:</i> The proportion of hairdressers reacting positively to GMT fell from initially 45% in 1992 to less than 20% in 1997 and 1998. <i>Conclusion:</i> This most likely reflects the above-mentioned preventive action.
Male-Pattern Baldness in Men with X-Linked Recessive Ichthyosis
Authors: Trüeb R.M. , Meyer J.C. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> X-linked recessive ichthyosis (XRI) is a genetic disorder of keratinization with extracutaneous manifestations due to deficiency of steroid sulfatase (STS). Because STS plays an important role in androgen metabolism, and elevated levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate have been reported in young men with andogenetic alopecia (AGA), the hypothesis was advanced that men with XRI do not show AGA or develop only mild forms of common baldness. <i>Methods:</i> Patients with a diagnosis of XRI confirmed by analysis of the microsomal sulfatases in our clinic between 1984 and 1998, and in whom study of the case histories depicted the typical clinical presentation of XRI, were sent a questionnaire with the Hamilton-Norwood scale of patterns of hair loss in men, inquiring them to designate the condition of their scalp hair. <i>Results and Conclusions:</i> Of 15 questionnaires returned, 7 indicated Hamilton-Norwood I, 3 Hamilton-Norwood II, 3 Hamilton-Norwood III-vertex, 1 Hamilton-Norwood IV and 1 Hamilton-Norwood VII. The results of this survey do not support the hypothesis that XRI and AGA are mutually exclusive, in as much as advanced AGA was found among these men.
Parakeratosis variegata: A Possible Role of Environmental Hazards?
Authors: Rogoziński T.T. , Zekanowski C. , Kaldan L. , Blaszczyk M. , Majewski S. , Jabłońska S. 
Published: April 2003

We report 2 cases of parakeratosis variegata (PV) evolving from lesions beginning with characteristics of ashy dermatosis. Both patients presented with a reticulated, poikilodermatous and hyperpigmented eruption with bizarre coalescent lichenoid papules. Histology showed lichenoid epidermotropic infiltrates, more pronounced in case No. 1, consistent with early malignancy. The course was chronic: after more than 10 years, systemic symptoms were not present. In patient No. 1, a monoclonal T-cell population was detected 12 years after the onset of the disease. Both patients had close contact with fertilizers and insecticides. In patient No. 2, the lesions spontaneously regressed within 3 years after cessation of exposure. PV may be a prelymphomatous stage of mycosis fungoides or some closely related cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and does not always evolve into overt malignancy. Gene rearrangement detection techniques may be helpful in predicting the course of the disease.
A Case of Antiepiligrin Cicatricial Pemphigoid Successfully Treated by Plasmapheresis
Authors: Hashimoto Yukiko , Suga Yasushi , Yoshiike Takashi , Hashimoto Takashi , Takamori Kenji 
Published: April 2003

We report the case of a 73-year-old Japanese woman suffering from antiepiligrin (laminin 5) cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) with typical clinical and immunopathological features. Histologically, the lesional mucous membrane showed a subepidermal blister formation. When indirect immunofluorescence techniques with skin split by 1 <i>M</i> NaCl as the substrate were used, the patient’s serum reacted only to the dermal side. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the patient’s serum contained IgG autoantibodies directed against a set of polypeptides that corresponded to epiligrin (laminin 5). After corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents had been administered systemically, the patient’s autoantibody titer decreased and the cutaneous and mucosal blister formations were suppressed. However, the ocular lesions persisted in spite of these therapeutic regimens. After combining these treatments with double-filtration plasmapheresis, the ocular lesions improved and showed almost no progression. Plasmapheresis may thus present a new option for the treatment of CP.
Eczema herpeticum during Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis with 0.1% Tacrolimus Ointment
Authors: Lübbe J. , Pournaras C.C. , Saurat J.-H. 
Published: April 2003

Recent evidence suggests that 0.1% tacrolimus ointment is an effective treatment of atopic dermatitis. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive agent that interferes with cell-mediated immunity. We have observed 2 cases of eczema herpeticum among 36 patients with atopic dermatitis treated with a topical preparation containing 0.1% tacrolimus. A 29-year-old male patient developed generalized herpetic lesions on his face on the 4th day of treatment. His SCORAD was then 73, and the tacrolimus blood level was 7.5 ng/ml. A 23-year-old woman developed disseminated herpetic lesions on her neck, face, shoulders and legs during the 9th week of treatment. Her SCORAD was then 41, tacrolimus blood levels were <3 ng/ml 2 weeks before the infection. Herpes simplex virus type 1 antigens were identified in several lesions by direct immunofluorescence in both patients. Neither patient recalled previous episodes of cold sores. The lesions resolved quickly under intravenous acyclovir treatment but resulted in important facial scarring in the male patient. <i>Conclusions:</i> Eczema herpeticum is a well-known complication of atopic dermatitis. Available data do not allow to link topical tacrolimus with an increased risk for eczema herpeticum, but they are insufficient to exclude an association. Future studies and careful documentation of cases are needed in order to better characterize patients at risk.
Liver Enzymes Are Commonly Elevated following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Is Elevated Intra-Abdominal Pressure the Cause?
Authors: Andrei Valeriu E. , Schein Moshe , Margolis Marc , Rucinski James C. , Wise Leslie 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background:</b> A previous study disclosed ‘unexplained’ disturbances in postoperative liver function tests (LFTs) in up to 80% of 67 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). No cause for these elevations was documented. Our objective was to assess the incidence, cause and clinical significance of ‘unexplained’ disturbances in liver enzymes following LC. <b>Patients and Methods:</b> A retrospective chart review of 270 patients who underwent LC and 64 patients undergoing open cholecystectomy (OC) was conducted. Exclusion criteria: any preoperative abnormality in bilirubin or liver enzyme levels, history of chronic liver disease, gallbladder empyema, gangrene or perforation, any evidence or suggestion of choledocholithiasis or other ductal pathology on preoperative or intraoperative imaging or surgical exploration. Preoperatively and on postoperative day 1, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels were measured. There ‘unexplained’ disturbances were defined as a 50% increase from preoperative values and/or above the normal range. At LC the pneumoperitoneum was maintained at a pressure not exceeding 15 mm Hg. <b>Results:</b> In the groups undergoing OC and LC the respective early elevations in bilirubin occurred in 5 and 9% of patients (NS), and in alkaline phosphatase in 0 and 4% patients (NS). Postoperative ALT was elevated in 15% of patients following OC and in 34% after LC (p = 0.004). ‘Unexplained’ LFT disturbances were not associated with any morbidity. <b>Conclusions:</b> ‘Unexplained’ disturbances in ALT following LC occur in 34% of the patients and appear to be clinically nonsignificant. It is suggested that the reason for this phenomenon is the pneumoperitoneum-related intra-abdominal hypertension; the only variable not present in the OC group.
Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery:A Five-Year Experience
Authors: Bruch H.-P. , Schiedeck T.H.K. , Schwandner O. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and outcome of 300 laparoscopic colorectal procedures performed within 5 years for both benign and malignant disorders. The specific purpose was to identify the impact of the learning curve on reducing morbidity and on improving the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> All cases were divided into 3 groups: the first 100, the second 100 and the third 100 procedures were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by Student’s t test and χ<sup>2</sup> test. <i>Results:</i> The laparoscopic procedure had to be converted to open surgery in 22 cases (mean conversion rate 7.3%). Thus, a total of 278 procedures could be performed laparoscopically. The mean major complication rate was 8.6%, minor complications occurred in 9.7%. The overall morbidity rate was 18.3%. In 44 cases, laparoscopic resections were performed for the cure of colorectal malignancy. The mean lymph node harvest was 12.8 nodes, no port-site recurrence was documented at a mean follow-up of 22 months. Analyzing our 5-year experience, the incidence of conversion showed a decline from 8.0% (1st and 2nd 100) to 6.0% in the last 100 procedures (p > 0.05). The major complication rate was significantly decreased from 15 to 6.0% (1st vs. 2nd 100) and was 5.0% in the 3rd group. The minor complication rate, overall morbidity rate and laparotomy rate have also been reduced (p > 0.05). The duration of surgery was shortened from 251.4 to 213.5 min (1st vs. 2nd 100, p < 0.05) and was 196.9 min in the last 100 procedures. Postoperative hospital stay was decreased from 16.3 to 14.3 days (1st 100 vs. 2nd 100, p > 0.05) and could be shortened to 11.2 days (2nd vs. 3rd 100, p < 0.05). <i>Conclusion:</i> With increasing experience, laparoscopic colorectal surgery can be performed with reduced morbidity and improved outcome. To evaluate the role of laparoscopic colorectal procedures, particularly for the cure of malignancy, prospective randomized trials are necessary.
New Therapeutic Strategies to Avoid Intra- and Extraperitoneal Metastases during Laparoscopy: Results of a Tumor Model in the Rat
Authors: Jacobi C.A. , Peter F.J. , Wenger F.A. , Ordemann J. , Müller J.M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Therapeutic strategies to prevent port site recurrences in laparoscopy surgery of malignancies have not been investigated until now. <i>Methods:</i> The effects of taurolidine, heparin, and povidone iodine on the growth of rat and human colon adenocarcinoma as well as gallbladder carcinoma were investigated in vitro. Furthermore, cytokine release of growth-stimulating IL-1β by peritoneal macrophages was measured after incubation with carbon dioxide and additional incubation with the different agents. In the third experiment, prevention of intra- and extraperitoneal metastases by intraperitoneal instillation of the different agents during laparoscopy was investigated in a colon carcinoma model in the rat. Tumor cells were administered intraperitoneally in 100 rats, and pneumoperitoneum (8 mm Hg) was established over 30 min with carbon dioxide. Rats received either tumor cells, cells + heparin, cells + povidone iodine, cells + taurolidine, or cells + taurolidine + heparin. <i>Results:</i> In vitro, tumor cell growth decreased after incubation with taurolidine, taurolidine/heparin, and povidone iodine. Cytokine release was stimulated by incubation with carbon dioxide and could only be suppressed by incubation with taurolidine in vitro. In vivo, intraperitoneal tumor weight was lower in rats receiving heparin (251 ± 153 mg) and povidone iodine (134 ± 117 mg) compared to the control group (541 ± 291 mg), but even less when taurolidine (79 ± 82 mg) or taurolidine/heparin (18.3 ± 30 mg) were instilled. <i>Conclusion:</i> Heparin slightly inhibits intraperitoneal tumor growth in vivo, while povidone iodine and taurolidine cause a significant decrease in tumor cell growth in vitro as well as intraperitoneal tumor growth in vivo. Cytokine release of peritoneal macrophages is only suppressed by taurolidine. Total tumor take and trocar metastases are only suppressed by taurolidine and taurolidine/heparin.
Effects of N-Acetylcysteine on Pulmonary Macrophage Activity after Intestinal Ischemia and Reperfusion in Rats / with Invited Commentaries
Authors: Börjesson Anna , Wang Xiangdong , Sun Zhengwu , Wallén Rita , Deng Xiaoming , Johansson Eric , Andersson Roland 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aims:</i> Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) is considered to be a critical and triggering event in the development of distal organ dysfunction after a variety of insults. It appears that activated leukocytes, especially polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs), and reactive oxygen species are important mediators in the process. In the present study, the aim was to evaluate the behavior of pulmonary macrophages, acute lung injury and pulmonary endothelial permeability after intestinal I/R, together with potential alterations in pulmonary endothelial and epithelial ultrastructure and cellular membrane system integrity. <i>Methods:</i> Intestinal ischemia for 40 min was followed by reperfusion for 12 h in the rat. Macrophage uptake of radiolabeled bacteria, levels of pulmonary blood content assessed by radiolabeled red blood cells and pulmonary endothelial permeability of radiolabeled albumin, as well as pulmonary endothelial and epithelial ultrastructure and cellular membrane system integrity by the use of scanning electron microscopy and a tracer was evaluated after 12 h reperfusion. Treatment with the free radical scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administered prior to reperfusion was evaluated. <i>Results:</i> Overactivation of pulmonary macrophages was noted after intestinal I/R, as was a significant decrease in pulmonary blood content. No increase in pulmonary albumin leakage or increase in pulmonary water content was found after intestinal I/R as compared to controls. Treatment with NAC prevented against intestinal I/R-induced overactivation of pulmonary macrophages and a decrease in pulmonary blood content. <i>Conclusion:</i> Reactive oxygen species may be involved in the regulation of pulmonary macrophage function and pulmonary circulation after intestinal I/R.
West German Drinking Patterns in 1984 and 1990
Authors: Bloomfield Kim 
Published: April 2003

Basic drinking patterns are examined with regard to sociodemographic correlates for the years 1984/1986 and 1990/1992 by a secondary analysis of data from representative samples of the former West German general population. Data come from the National Health Survey of the German Cardiovascular Prevention Study in which the former West German non-institutionalized general population aged 25–69 years was sampled through multistage probability methods. In 1984, 91% of West Germans were drinkers, 16% were daily drinkers, and 8% consumed a mean of 60 g or more of ethanol per day. These figures decreased slightly but significantly by 1990. Despite a downward trend in consumption between 1984 and 1990, Germany remains a ‘wet’ culture.
Role of Intrarenal Endothelin 1, Endothelin 3, and Angiotensin II Expression in Chronic Cyclosporin A Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Ramírez César , Olmo Asunción , O’Valle Francisco , Masseroli Marco , Aguilar Mariano , Gómez-Morales Mercedes , Revelles Francisco , García-Chicano María José , Arrebola Francisco , Reguero María Eugenia , del Moral Raimundo G. 
Published: April 2003

Endothelin 1 (Et1) is widely expressed in the kidney and is related to several functions and to pathological conditions with progression towards sclerosis. The function of endothelin 3 (Et3) at the renal level is debatable, but it could have an important regulatory function in the reabsorption of water through its action on tubular type B receptors. Angiotensin II has recently been implicated as the principal factor responsible for the progression of interstitial fibrosis induced by cyclosporin A (CsA). We investigated this relationship in vivo and analyzed the modifications induced by CsA toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with 25 mg/kg/day of CsA for 28 and 56 days. Immunohistochemical methods and molecular analysis were used to study the expression of Et1 and Et3 and immunohistochemistry alone to determine the intrarenal expression of angiotensin II. Rats treated with CsA developed chronic nephrotoxicity lesions; semiquantitative analyses of hyaline arteriolopathy revealed that the passage of time affected the extent of this lesion and led to the diminution of the total glomerular area. Immunohistochemical results showed that chronic CsA treatment induced moderate secretion of Et1 and Et3 at tubular and glomerular levels and that the local expression of angiotensin II in the treatment groups was more evident than in control animals. Besides, the mRNA levels of preproEt3 showed a dramatic increase from 28 days after CsA treatment (control group 0.07 ± 0.11 vs. CsA group 0.48 ± 0.11, p < 0.01), while the mRNA levels of preproEt1 increased from 56 days (control group 0.15 ± 0.05 vs. CsA group 0.34 ± 0.09, p < 0.05). At 28 days, renal lesions correlated strongly with the mRNA levels of Et3 (r > 0.50, p < 0.01). However, at 56 days, the key finding was the strong correlation of the most important analytical, histological, and immunohistochemical parameters of CsA nephrotoxicity with Et1 mRNA levels (r > 0.50, p < 0.01). These results support the hypothesis that the clinical and morphological phenomena linked with CsA nephrotoxicity are related to hypersecretion of endothelins and local expression of angiotensin II in the outer medulla and medullary rays; Et3 and angiotensin II are the first to act, followed subsequently by Et1.
Stotterreduktion bei frequenzverschobener und verzögerter auditiver Rückmeldung
Authors: Natke Ulrich 
Published: April 2003

Bei 12 stotternden Probanden wurde die stotterreduzierende Wirkung von verzögerter auditiver Rückmeldung (DAF) und frequenzverschobener auditiver Rückmeldung (FAF) miteinander verglichen. Hierzu wurden drei Texte mit jeweils 300 Silben unter simultaner auditiver Rückmeldung, DAF (Verzögerungszeit: 53 ms) und FAF (Frequenzverschiebung: –½ Oktave) gelesen sowie anschliessend die Stotterrate bzw. der Prozentsatz unflüssiger Sprechzeit bestimmt. Nur unter DAF zeigte sich in den Gruppenwerten ein stotterreduzierender Effekt, nicht jedoch unter FAF. Bei 4 Probanden trat unter FAF dennoch eine Stotterreduktion von über 50% auf. Es wird gefolgert, dass der Einsatz von FAF als prothetische Massnahme beschränkt ist. Der Zusammenhang zwischen prolongiertem Sprechen und Stotterreduktion wird diskutiert.