bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural Killer Cell Activity and Delivery: Possible Influence of Cortisol and Anesthetic Agents
Authors: De Amici Donatella , Gasparoni Antonella , Chirico Gaetano , Ceriana Piero , Bartoli Antonella , Ramajoli Isabella , Moretta Antonia 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the method of delivery, the level of cord blood lidocaine, and the cortisol concentration on the cord blood natural killer (NK) activity in the full-term healthy newborn. We studied healthy newborns delivered by elective cesarean section without labor under general anesthesia (n = 24), delivered by cesarean section under epidural anesthesia (n = 21), and delivered vaginally with uncomplicated labor (n = 19). The NK cell activity was significantly lower in newborns delivered by cesarean section under epidural anesthesia than it was in the general anesthesia group, while it was similar to the levels found in vaginally delivered newborns. The cortisol concentration was highest in the vaginal delivery group (589.2 ± 200 mmol/l) and lowest in the general anesthesia group (199.2 ± 81.9 mmol/l). The mean serum lidocaine concentration was 414.1 ± 370 μg/l in the epidural anesthesia group and undetectable in the other groups. In conclusion, our data suggest that the cord blood NK activity was significantly influenced by the method of delivery. This effect could be related to anesthetics given to the mother for general or epidural anesthesia or to the endocrine-metabolic variations observed after different degrees of delivery-related stress. The NK cells being a first-line defense mechanism against viral infections, the results of this study suggest an association with the occurrence of early perinatal infections, especially in preterm infants.
Secretion of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-II into Bile of Rats of Different Ages
Authors: Philipps Anthony F. , Dvořák Bohuslav , Anderson Gary G. , Grille James G. , Williams Catherine S. , Koldovský Otakar 
Published: April 2003

Bile from rats of different ages (suckling 10–12 days; weanling 30–33 days, and adult 60–70 days) was collected and studied for the presence of immuno- and receptor-assayable insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) concentrations. Concentrations of RIA IGF-II in bile were highest in suckling rats (230 ± 38 ng/ml) and lowest in adults (47 ± 7 ng/ml). These concentrations were approximately twice those of the bile IGF-I concentration in sucklings, as measured in a previous study. Selected bile samples were also assayed using a competitive binding assay with a crude preparation of adult rat liver membranes bearing the IGF-II receptor. These studies confirmed the presence of receptor- (as well as immuno-) active IGF-II in bile. Since bile flow rates increased dramatically after the suckling period, bile delivery rates of IGF-II were normalized as picograms per gram body weight per hour. When such calculations were done, bile IGF-II delivery rates to the small intestine were highest in sucklings and weanlings in comparison to adult rats. Thus non-enterically derived (milk- and bile-borne) IGF-II delivery to the suckling small intestine can be approximated at roughly 1 μg/day. Unlike IGF-I, intravenously injected IGF-II could not be detected in suckling bile, suggesting a predominantly hepatic origin. From this study we conclude that there exists a significant delivery of receptor-active IGF-II to the gastrointestinal tract of rats of all ages.
Catch-Up Growth in 166 Small-for- Gestational Age Premature Infants Weighing Less than 1,000 g at Birth
Authors: Monset-Couchard M. , de Bethmann O. 
Published: April 2003

Catch-up growth was studied in 166 children born with an extremely low birth weight (<1,000 g) and small-for-gestational age (SGA, <10th percentile birth weight for gestational age). Of these children 159 were followed up for between 4 and 18 years (median 9 years). Group A, SGA <10th percentile of Lubchenco curves only; group B, <10th percentile of Mamelle’s curves but >5th percentile, and group C, <5th percentile of Mammelle’s curves. Catch-up growth was considered to be achieved when height, weight, and head circumference (HC) reached –2 SD of French reference data and remained above this limit afterwards. Catch-up growth in height was achieved in 126/156 children or 81% (group A 88%; group B 84%; group C 74%), before 3 years of age in 100/127 (78%). Seven children below –2 SD received growth hormone (1 child who caught up was excluded from the results). Catch-up growth in weight was achieved in 126/159 children or 79% (group A 86%; group B 82%; group C 73%), before 3 years of age in 87/126 (69%). Catch-up growth in HC was achieved in 126/156 or 81% (group A 78%; group B 92%; group C 77%), before 3 years of age in 102/127 (80%). Overall catch-up growth was achieved for all three parameters in 65% of children, two of three parameters in 19%, and one of three parameters in 8%. Eleven children never caught up on any parameter. While weight is a lesser concern and HC is not liable to intervention, a greater number of short children might benefit from growth hormone therapy.
Effect of Polyclonal Anti-TNFα Antibody on Endotoxic Shock in Suckling Rats
Authors: Bhola Monika , Goto Masakatsu , Chen Hui Y. , Myers Thomas F. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) antibodies on the TNFα gene expression in a neonatal septic shock model. Ten-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and given intraperitoneal (ip) injection as follows: group 1: 0.1 ml saline; group 2: 0.1 mg/kg <i>Salmonella enteritidis</i> lipopolysaccharide (LPS); group 3: 1 mg/kg of anti-TNFα antibodies (Ab); group 4: 0.1 mg/kg of LPS and 1 mg/kg of Ab. We found that in group 2, LPS induced shock, demonstrating hypoglycemia and lactacidemia (p < 0.05) and death (81.8%). Ab decreased the mortality significantly (35%) and attenuated the hypoglycemia (35 ± 8 mg/dl in group 2 vs. 53 ± 3 mg/dl in group 4) and lactacidemia (5.40 ± 0.63 vs. 2.35 ± 0.45 mmol) at 8 h in group 4 when compared to group 2. Northern blot demonstrated a significant decrease in TNFα mRNA expression in group 4 as compared to group 2, at 2 h after LPS injection. We conclude that the beneficial effects of anti-TNFα antibodies on LPS-induced shock may be due to decreased TNFα gene expression.
Blood Pressure Control and Hemodynamic Changes in Patients on Long Time Dialysis Treatment
Authors: Luik Antinus J. , Charra Bernard , Katzarski Krassimir , Habets Jos , Cheriex Emile C. , Menheere Paul P.C.A. , Laurent Guy , Bergström Jonas , Leunissen Karel M.L. 
Published: April 2003

In dialysis patients blood pressure can be well controlled with long dialysis (3 times a week for 8 h) in contrast to a more common short dialysis regime (3 times a week for 4 h). We studied whether the good blood pressure control in patients on long dialysis as compared to patients on short dialysis was associated with a decrease in extracellular fluid volume. Two-day interdialytic ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed in 26 non-diabetic patients on long dialysis, in 22 patients on short dialysis, matched for the years they were on dialysis treatment, and during 24 h in 19 healthy volunteers. After full equilibration, 24 h after dialysis, echography of the inferior caval vein was performed to determine fluid state. Cardiac dimensions and stroke index were measured by echocardiography. A blood sample was drawn for the determination of electrolytes and vasoactive hormones. 73% of the patients on short dialysis were using antihypertensive medication in contrast to none of the patients on long dialysis. However, blood pressure was significantly lower in patients on long dialysis (115 ± 21/67 ± 11 mm Hg) when compared to patients on short dialysis (143 ± 26/81 ± 16 mm Hg). Indexed caval vein diameter, left ventricular diameter index, and atrial natriuretic peptide were not significantly different in patients on long dialysis compared to patients on short dialysis. Also the cardiac index was comparable in patients on long and short dialysis. However, the total peripheral resistance index was significantly lower in patients on long dialysis compared to the patients on short dialysis and normal controls. The left ventricular mass index was increased in both patients on long and short dialysis compared to controls. We conclude that patients on long dialysis have adequate blood pressure control that seems mainly to be caused by a low total peripheral resistance. These data also suggest that factors other than a lower fluid state contribute to the good blood pressure control in patients on long dialysis.
Autonomic Nervous Activity during Sleep in Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction
Authors: Giubilei Franco , Strano Stefano , Lino Stefano , Calcagnini Giovanni , Tisei Paolo , Fiorelli Marco , Ferretti Cinzia , Cerutti Sergio , Fieschi Cesare 
Published: April 2003

No data are available on the autonomic system during sleep in patients with stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of acute ischemic stroke on the autonomic cardiovascular system during sleep, and to correlate autonomic activity with the clinical status of patients. Ten patients with ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery were studied by means of an all-night polysomnographic recording within the 1st week of the onset of symptoms and at the 3-week follow-up examination. Power spectrum analysis of the heart rate variability was performed using an autoregressive algorithm in 180 consecutive electrocardiographic RR intervals. Spectral power was calculated in 3 main frequency bands: high frequency (HF), 0.15–0.4 Hz; low frequency (LF), 0.04–0.15 Hz; very low frequency (VLF), <0.04 Hz. The data were compared with those of 10 age-matched controls. A significant increase in VLF (p < 0.0005) and a decrease in HF (p < 0.0002) components were found in ischemic stroke patients. The sympathetic-parasympathetic balance (VLF + LF/HF) was higher in patients than controls (p < 0.005). However, these components changed significantly during sleep, revealing a physiological pattern. These power spectral data were still present at the 3-week follow-up. The 4 patients who developed cardiac arrhythmias showed higher sympathetic-parasympathetic balance than patients without arrhythmias (p < 0.05). These data suggest a sympathetic predominance in patients with acute ischemic stroke during sleep. However, the flexible and dynamic properties of the autonomic nervous system are preserved. Cardiac arrhythmias following stroke may be related to the degree of sympathetic predominance.
Influence of Clinical Factors, CT Findings and Early Management on Outcome in Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Hårdemark H.-G. , Wesslén Nils , Persson Lennart 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background and Purpose:</i> Treatment of supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) is still controversial and new adequately sized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of surgical evacuation are greatly needed. Our aim was to identify and quantify the most important clinical and CT factors related to prognosis in patients with SICH, to estimate the treatment effect in various subpopulations of surgically treated patients and to make assumptions on target population and sample size in future trials. <i>Methods:</i> Uni- and multivariate analysis of retrospectively collected data on clinical and CT factors on admission and early management in 203 patients with SICH, mortality at discharge, 30 days, 6 and 12 months and clinical outcome according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months and follow-up at a mean of 3.1 years after admission. <i>Results:</i> Level of consciousness according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and age were the single two factors best related to mortality at 6 and 12 months. GCS and age, in association with hematoma volume and location, arterial hypertension and to some extent use of steroids, were also related to clinical outcome according to the mRS at 6 months and 3.1 years. Surgical evacuation seemed to have a positive effect on clinical outcome in only a small subgroup of the patients. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our data support a future RCT of surgical evacuation versus conservative treatment in SICH restricted to patients younger than 60–65 years with a GCS on admission in the range of 6–11 and a hematoma not mainly located in the thalamus with a volume in the range of 30–100 ml causing a midline shift of less than 10 mm. Randomization should be balanced within groups of patients with lobar and basal ganglion hematomas, arterial hypertension and intraventricular hemorrhage, and the use of steroids should be discouraged.
Distribution, Severity and Risk Factors for Aortic Atherosclerosis in Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Sen Souvik , Wu Katherine , McNamara Robert , Lima Joao , Piantadosi Steven , Oppenheimer Stephen M. 
Published: April 2003

Significant thoracic aortic plaques (>4 mm) are an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke. Within 1 week of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) onset, 105 consecutive patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography assessment of aortic plaque thickness using the criteria of Amarenco et al. (N Engl J Med 1994;331:1474–1479). A proximo-distal gradient was found in the distribution of aortic atheroma >4 mm (p = 0.04). Symptomatic coronary artery disease was associated with plaque in the proximal aorta (p = 0.03); extracranial carotid stenosis >70% was associated with plaque in the arch and descending aorta (p < 0.01). The severity of aortic plaque was associated with age on multivariable analysis (p = 0.0003 to p < 0.01). Only smoking showed predictive regional specificity (p = 0.03);no other risk factors were associated with aortic atheroma in any segment. In stroke/TIA patients, carotid stenosis >70% predicts aortic arch atheroma plaques >4 mm which may predispose to reinfarction after endarterectomy. Atheroma of the ascending aorta is associated with ischemic heart disease, and cardiac screening should be considered in asymptomatic patients.
Dopaminergic Control of Kynurenate Levels and N-Methyl-<i>D</i>-Aspartate Toxicity in the Developing Rat Striatum
Authors: Poeggeler Burkhard , Rassoulpour Arash , Guidetti Paolo , Wu Hui-Qiu , Schwarcz Robert 
Published: April 2003

This study was designed to examine the effects of <i>d</i>-amphetamine (D-AMPH) and D1- and D2-selective dopaminergic drugs on the concentration of the broad-spectrum excitatory amino acid receptor antagonist kynurenic acid (KYNA) in the striatum of developing and adult rats. At all ages, KYNA levels were significantly reduced 1 h after the systemic administration of D-AMPH (5 mg/kg). SKF 38393 (5 mg/kg) and quinpirole (2 mg/kg) also caused a rapid decrease in striatal KYNA, but only in postnatal day (PND) 7 and 14 rats. All these effects were readily prevented by specific dopamine receptor antagonists. The possible functional significance of the reduction in KYNA levels was tested in PND 14 animals. When pretreated with D-AMPH (5 mg/kg), these rats showed markedly increased vulnerability to an intrastriatal injection of the excitotoxin NMDA. These data suggest that KYNA plays a role as a mediator of dopamine-glutamate interactions in the rat striatum.
Primary Mucinous Carcinoma of the Scalp
Authors: Breier Friedrich , Clabian Markus , Pokieser Wolfgang , Feldmann Robert , Pelzl Marianne , Kosak Dieter , Volc-Platzer Beatrix , Kolbabek Heinrich , Gschnait Friedrich 
Published: April 2003

Primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma (MC) is a rare epithelial neoplasm derived from the sweat glands. Herein, we report a case of MC located on the head. A 66-year-old woman underwent excision of a nodular tumor with a reddish brown surface on the left parietal region. Histopathology revealed a neoplasm extending from the reticular dermis into the subcutaneous fat. The tumor cell aggregates showed cribriform and solid lobules and were embedded in lakes of mucin, separated by thin, fibrous septae. Focally single neoplastic cells were arranged in an Indian-file pattern. The tumor cells displayed an eosinophilic cytoplasm, large basophilic nuclei and some discrete nuclear atypia. Vascular spaces, filled by densely packed erythrocytes between the septae, were also observed. We compared the mucinous component with the tumor cell and the stromal component by light microscopy. Analyzing the tumor by an image analysis system in Alcian-blue-stained serial sections, we found the averaged total tumor area measuring 99.7 mm<sup>2</sup>. The area of the mucinous component measured 92.4 mm<sup>2</sup>, that of the tumor cells 3.7 mm<sup>2</sup> and that of the stromal component 3.6 mm<sup>2</sup>. The extensive checkup of the patient disclosed no evidence for a further malignant neoplasm. After excision of the tumor an adjuvant radiotherapy was performed. The patient was free of recurrence and metastatic spread of the mucinous carcinoma during a 4-year follow-up.
The Efficacy, Safety and Tolerance of Calcitriol 3 μg/g Ointment in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis: A Comparison with Short-Contact Dithranol
Authors: Hutchinson P.E. , Marks R. , White J. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> A comparison of efficacy, safety and tolerance of a twice-daily application of calcitriol 3 μg/g ointment with dithranol cream. <i>Methods:</i> The study was an 8-week, prospective, randomised, open, parallel-group trial with 114 patients. Subjects received either 3 μg/g calcitriol ointment (twice daily) or 0.25–2% dithranol cream (once daily for 30 min). Results were measured using global improvement, global severity, PASI, quality of life (QOL) and Psoriasis Disability Index scores. Safety was determined from reports of adverse events and blood chemistry analysis. <i>Results:</i> At final assessment, calcitriol and dithranol were comparably efficacious. Skin irritation was reported by 5% of calcitriol and 72% of dithranol patients. Patients rated QOL and overall acceptability of calcitriol more highly. <i>Conclusions:</i> Twice-daily calcitriol ointment (3 μg/g) is equally effective as a once-daily, short-contact dithranol regimen. However, calcitriol is better tolerated than dithranol, and provides a better QOL and a greater patient acceptability.
Role of TNF-α in Local Surgical Trauma-Induced Microvascular Dysfunction
Authors: Yamauchi Jun-ichiro , Vollmar Brigitte , Wolf Beate , Menger Michael D. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aim:</i> The aim of this study was to gain insight into the mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction after local surgical trauma. <i>Methods:</i> The effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antibody (Ab) on microvascular function, including arteriolar diameter response, nutritive perfusion, leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction and endothelial integrity disruption, was studied in hamster skinfold chamber preparations using intravital fluorescence microscopy. <i>Results:</i> Directly after the surgical procedure, arteriolar diameters were found to be markedly (p < 0.05) reduced, but recovered significantly at 8 h and reached plateau levels after 24 h. Surgical trauma further induced a strong inflammatory response characterized by a significant (p < 0.05) increase in leukocyte adherence to the endothelium of postcapillary venules. This inflammatory response was associated with an increase in microvascular permeability, indicating endothelial integrity disruption. Anti-TNF-α Ab had no significant effect on the surgical trauma-induced arteriolar vasomotor dysfunction; however, it effectively (p < 0.05) reduced venular leukocyte adherence and attenuated the increase in microvascular permeability. <i>Conclusion:</i> Our study indicates that arteriolar constriction, leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction and endothelial macromolecular leakage have to be considered as the characteristic microvascular response after local surgical trauma. It is conceivable that TNF-α plays a role in mediating the inflammatory response, but not the dysfunction of vasomotor control.
The Immunogenic Properties of Melanoma-Associated Antigens Recognized by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes
Authors: Kirkin Alexei F. , Dzhandzhugazyan Karine , Zeuthen Jesper 
Published: April 2003

During the last 6 years significant progress has been achieved in the identification of melanoma-associated antigens recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These antigens belong to three main groups: tumor-associated testis-specific antigens (MAGE, BAGE, GAGE and PRAME), melanocyte differentiation antigens (tyrosinase, Melan-A/MART-1, gp100, TRP-1 and TRP-2) and mutated or aberrantly expressed antigens (MUM-1, CDK4, β-catenin, gp100-in4, p15 and N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V). In this review, we have summarized the available data concerning the characterization of melanoma-associated antigens with focus on their immunogenic and protective properties. The development of a strong immune response against differentiation antigens is limited by the existence of tolerance against these ‘self’ antigens, permitting the involvement of only T cells with low affinity T cell receptors. Among the melanoma differentiation antigens, only gp100 has been shown to be a tumor regression antigen. The testis-specific antigens such as MAGE and PRAME should potentially be highly immunogenic antigens. They contain several potential HLA class I binding epitopes and are present only in the testes which are not accessible to the cells of the immune system due to the lack of direct contact with the immune cells and the lack of HLA class I expression on the surface of germ cells. But only 2 patients have been found who responded to these antigens in vivo, indicating their genuinely low immunogenicity. A comparison of the predicted secondary structures of these two groups of antigens (testis-specific and differentiation antigens) revealed enrichment of long α-helical stretches in the testis-specific antigens. We hypothesize that such highly organized structures could diminish the efficiency of the protein unfolding – a necessary step in the proteolytic cleavage by proteasomes – and, therefore, could be responsible for the low immunogenicity of these proteins. In this case, modifications decreasing the stability of these proteins might be a means to improve the immune response against these potentially therapeutically useful antigens.
Normal Swallowing Physiology as Viewed by Videofluoroscopy and Videoendoscopy
Authors: Logemann Jeri A. , Rademaker Alfred W. , Pauloski Barbara Roa , Ohmae Yukio , Kahrilas Peter J. 
Published: April 2003

This study examines normal oropharyngeal swallow physiology in 8 young adult males with concurrent videofluoroscopy and videoendoscopy. Twelve swallows were examined for each subject, 3 swallows each of 1 and 5 ml of thin liquid at each of two endoscopic positions: (1) the tip of the endoscope just at or below the tip of the uvula (high position), and (2) the tip of the endoscope just below the tip of the epiglottis (low position). Results indicate that if the clinician is interested in laryngeal events occurring before and after swallow, videoendoscopy with the endoscope in the low position is the procedure of choice. To evaluate pharyngeal anatomy and/or the presence of food in the pharynx before or after swallow, either endoscopy with the endoscope in the high position or videofluoroscopy can be used. However, if the clinician is interested in pharyngeal physiology during swallow, videofluoroscopy is a better diagnostic procedure.