bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibiting Albumin Glycation Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy in the <i>db/db</i> Mouse
Authors: Cohen Margo P. , Masson Nicole , Hud Elizabeth , Ziyadeh Fuad , Han Dong Cheol , Clements Rex S. 
Published: April 2003

Albumin modified by Amadori glucose adducts stimulates the expression of extracellular matrix proteins by glomerular mesangial and endothelial cells, and has been mechanistically linked to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. To test the hypothesis that inhibiting the formation of glycated albumin might beneficially influence the development of kidney disease in diabetes, we treated diabetic <i>db/db</i> mice for 12 weeks with a low-molecular-weight compound (EXO-226) that impedes the condensation of free glucose with lysine ε-amino groups in albumin. Administration of EXO-226 (3 mg/kg) twice daily by gavage normalized the plasma concentration of glycated albumin within days after initiation of treatment and maintained glycated albumin within the normal range throughout the study, despite persistent and severe hyperglycemia. Urine albumin excretion, which was markedly increased at the start of the study (age 12 weeks), was significantly reduced in treated diabetic animals compared with their untreated diabetic littermates. The fall in creatinine clearance that was observed in untreated diabetic animals was prevented in diabetic littermates that received treatment. Compared with the nondiabetic controls, the amount of glomerular mesangial matrix was threefold greater in untreated diabetic mice; in contrast, the mesangial matrix fraction was only 1.5 times that of nondiabetic controls in the treated diabetic animals, representing a reduction in mesangial matrix accumulation of more than 50%. EXO-226 also reduced the overexpression of mRNA encoding for α1 (IV) collagen in renal cortex of <i>db/db</i> mice. We conclude that normalization of plasma glycated albumin concentrations with the glycation inhibitor EXO-226 ameliorates the glomerular structural and functional abnormalities associated with diabetic nephropathy in the <i>db/db</i> mouse.
Fetal Bladder Catheterization in Severe Obstructive Uropathy before the 24th Week of Pregnancy
Authors: Szaflik K. , Kozarzewski M. , Adamczewski D. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objective:</b> Fetal obstructive uropathy is simple to diagnose before the 24th week of life. Drainage of the pathologically enlarged fetal bladder avoids development of hydronephrosis and destruction of kidneys and, obviously, prevents development of secondary oligohydramnios and pulmonary hypoplasia. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of a fetal bladder shunt in cases of obstructive uropathy before the 24th week of gestation. <b>Methods:</b> From January 1997 we diagnosed 6 cases of fetal obstructive uropathy before the 24th week of gestation. In all cases oligohydramnios or ahydramnios was also observed. After evaluation of the renal function on the basis of fetal urine samples, we shunted 5 fetuses. After routine preparation of the operative field, a special puncture needle was inserted through the abdominal wall of mother and fetus into the fetal bladder. Through the needle a fetal bladder catheter was inserted between the fetal bladder and the amniotic sac. After shunt placement, fetal urine fills the amniotic sac and the fetal bladder is decompressed. After the procedure, the patients were hospitalized and serial sonographic examinations were performed to evaluate shunt function. Bladder size, presence and size of hydronephrosis, and volume of amniotic fluid were evaluated. <b>Results:</b> The Rocket Medical catheters have an excellent ‘shape memory’. All but 1 newborns had a good perinatal outcome. Mean Apgar score was 8 at 1 min, weight at delivery was between 1,700 and 3,100 g. No pulmonary hypoplasia was observed. All deliveries were after the 33rd week of gestation (range 33–38 weeks). The minimum drainage time was11 weeks, maximum 18 weeks. In 2 cases premature delivery occurred because of premature rupture of the membranes. One newborn died of respiratory distress syndrome. <b>Conclusions:</b> Early bladder drainage (before the 24th week of gestation) enables delivery of newborns with a good perinatal outcome, without pulmonary hypoplasia. This method of therapy limits renal damage and allows time for normal development of the fetal lungs.
Rapid Prenatal Diagnosis of Trisomy 21 by Polymerase Chain Reaction- Associated Analysis of Small Tandem Repeats and S100B in Chromosome 21
Authors: Yang Young Ho , Kim In Kyu , Oh Sang Hwan , Kim Chang Kyu , Kim Jin Yeong 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objectives:</b> The incidence of Down syndrome increases with maternal age and a rapid and accurate method for prenatal diagnosis is a necessity. This study was devised to evaluate and compare the methods for detecting trisomy 21 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-associated analysis of small tandem repeats (STR) of D21S11 and semiquantitative analysis of S100B of chromosome 21. <b>Methods:</b> PCR was performed with DNA template obtained from 20 normal samples (10 blood, 10 amniotic fluid) and 12 Down sydrome samples (10 blood, 2 amniotic fluid). <sup>32</sup>P-labelled primers for D21S11 and S100B were used. PCR products for D21S11 were subjected to polyacrylamide urea gel (6%) electrophoresis, followed by exposure to X-ray film, and then the densities of signals were recorded by densitometer. PCR products for S100B and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) as an internal control were subjected to agarose gel (2%) electrophoresis and the relative amounts of radioactivity in their products were measured to assess the quantitation of template DNA. <b>Results:</b> Analysis of D21S11 STR showed equivalent triplets in 4 cases and unequivalent doublets (1:2) in 8 Down syndrome samples. The normal control group showed singlets in 5 cases and equivalent doublets in 15 cases. In the analysis of S100B, the ratios of S100B to IGF-I was 1.4–1.6 in 7 of 12 Down syndrome samples, while the ratios of S100B in all normal samples were close to 1.0. All the results were obtained within 24 h. The D21S11 STR analysis managed to distinguish more clearly between normal and trisomy 21, while semiquantitative PCR analysis of S100B was less able to assess trisomy 21. <b>Conclusion:</b> Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 by PCR-associated STR analysis of D21S11 and semiquantitative analysis of S100B are useful, innovative, accurate and rapid diagnostic methods, while D21S11 STR analysis is more discriminating in detecting trisomy 21 and also may be employed in preimplantation diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Effects of Fetal Endotoxin Administration on Plasma Prostaglandin F<sub>2α</sub> and Cortisol Levels in Late-Gestation Fetal Goats
Authors: Kijima Kazuhiro , Yoneyama Yoshio , Sawa Rintaro , Araki Tsutomu 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Fetal plasma prostaglandin F<sub>2α</sub> (PGF<sub>2α</sub>) and cortisol responses to fetal endotoxin administration were evaluated in late-gestation goats (n = 9). <i>Methods:</i> After endotoxin (<i>Escherichia coli,</i> O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide) administration, fetal plasma PGF<sub>2α</sub> and cortisol levels, fetal blood gases and pH were measured periodically. <i>Results:</i> After endotoxin administration, fetal plasma cortisol levels increased to 9.8 ± 1.4 and 9.4 ± 1.2 ng/ml after 1 and 3 h, respectively (p < 0.05) and PGF<sub>2α</sub> levels did not change throughout the study. <i>Conclusions:</i> These results suggest that absent PGF<sub>2α</sub> and attenuated cortisol responses to fetal endotoxin administration, relative to the adult, may be a self-protective mechanism which diminishes the likelihood of premature delivery.
Fetal Hydrocephalus Secondary to Intraventricular Hemorrhage Diagnosed by Ultrasonography and in utero Fast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Hashimoto Ichiro , Tada Katsuhiko , Nakatsuka Mikiya , Nakata Takakimi , Inoue Nanako , Takata Masayo , Kudo Takafumi , Joja Ikuo 
Published: April 2003

Although fetal hydrocephalus is commonly detected by prenatal ultrasonographic examination, posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus has rarely been observed in the fetus. We report a case of hydrocephalus secondary to intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) diagnosed by in utero magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 37 + 1 weeks of gestation. Ultrasonography revealed enlargement of the bilateral ventricles and an irregular mass measuring 20 × 12 × 10 mm in the right lateral ventricle. T1-weighted images with two-dimensional fast low-angle shot (2D-FLASH) and T2-weighted images with half-Fourier single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) demonstrated that an old hemorrhagic clot existed in the right lateral ventricle of the fetus. Hydrocephalus secondary to IVH was confirmed by postnatal MRI and ventriculoscopy. Fast MRI is especially useful for prenatal diagnosis of fetal brain abnormalities because it minimizes the artifact of fetal movement.
Recombinant Erythropoietin in the Prevention of Late Anaemia in Intrauterine Transfused Neonates with Rh-Haemolytic Disease
Authors: Zuppa A.A. , Maragliano G. , Scapillati M.E. , Florio M.G. , Girlando P. , Noia G. , De Santis M. , Cavaliere A.F. , Romagnoli C. , Tortorolo G. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in prevention of late anaemia due to Rh-haemolytic disease in neonates subjected to one or more intrauterine transfusions (IUTs). <i>Study Design:</i> Six neonates (GA 28–38 weeks, BW 980–3,360 g), subjected to one or more IUTs for Rh-haemolytic disease, were treated for 3 weeks with rHuEPO (200 U/kg/day, s.c.) after the second week of life to prevent late anaemia and consequently reduce the need for blood transfusions. All treated neonates were supplemented weekly with iron, vitamin E and folinic acid, intramuscularly. <i>Results:</i> Of the 6 patients studied, 4 preterm neonates, after commencement of rHuEPO treatment, showed a decrease in Hct values with persistent reticulocytopenia, and consequent need for one or more transfusions with packed and filtered red cells (PFRC). These 4 neonates had received a greater blood volume with IUTs than the 2 other term neonates, who, after starting rHuEPO treatment, showed an increase in Hct values and in reticulocyte count, with no transfusion requirements after birth (247 ± 47 vs. 84 ± 76 ml). <i>Conclusions:</i> Our results seem to correlate the efficacy of erythropoietin treatment in prevention of late anaemia resulting from Rh-haemolytic disease to the severity of intrauterine anaemia and to gestational age. Erythropoietin, in fact, was less effective in cases of severe intrauterine anaemia requiring a high volume of PFRC; it was also less effective in the preterm babies, because of the simultaneous presence of anaemia of prematurity and other major diseases.
Prenatal Orogastric Gene Delivery Results in Transduction of the Small Bowel in the Fetal Rabbit
Authors: Wu Ying , Liu Jing , Woo Savio , Finegold Milton J. , Brandt Mary L. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Gene therapy for meconium ileus, or other genetic diseases involving the gastrointestinal epithelium, may be possible with prenatal delivery of the CFTR gene to the gastrointestinal tract. Although minimally invasive techniques will probably be used for any future therapy of gastrointestinal disease, it is important to first test this strategy with a reliable animal model. <i>Methods:</i> The technique of orogastric fetal gene delivery was assessed using 7 pregnant rabbits (22 days’ gestation n = 1, 25 days’ gestation n = 4, 28 days’ gestation n = 2). Four fetuses from each litter were given an adenoviral vector carrying a marker gene by instilling it into the posterior pharynx with an animal feeding needle (1 × 10<sup>10</sup> particles of ADV/RSV/LacZ suspended in 0.3 ml of saline), with the untreated fetuses serving as control animals. <i>Results:</i> There were no recoverable fetuses from the does that had surgery at 22 and 28 days (n = 3) due to maternal death (n = 2) and premature delivery (n = 1). Among the 4 does that underwent hysterotomy at 25 days of gestation, 1 underwent cesarean section 2 days after fetal gene delivery and 3 delivered at term, 5 (n = 1) or 6 (n = 2) days following gene delivery. Eleven of the 16 experimental pups and 7 untreated control animals were collected alive, and were sacrificed at delivery for study. Nine of the 11 experimental pups (82%) showed positive blue (LacZ+) nuclei in the small intestine by X-gal staining. No positive cells were found in 7/7 control animals. The presence of the reporter gene LacZ was confirmed in 8/11 (73%) virus-treated pups by PCR with 5/5 control animals negative for LacZ by PCR. <i>Conclusions:</i> There was significant maternal and fetal loss related to anesthetic and husbandry issues when surgery was performed at 22 or 28 days of gestation. Based on these preliminary results, we conclude that orogastric gene delivery in the rabbit fetus at 25 days’ gestation is an encouraging animal model to study fetal delivery to the gastrointestinal tract.
Does Amniotomy Influence the Prognosis of Babies in Cases with Severe Chorioamnionitis?
Authors: Suzuki Yoshikatsu , Shikada Tomomi , Yamamoto Tamao , Kojima Kazuhisa , Murakami Isamu , Okajima Kazuki , Goshima Akira , Suzumori Kaoru 
Published: April 2003

We report our experience in a woman with a twin pregnancy. The patient suffered severe <i>Escherichia coli</i> chorioamnionitis and the outcomes were different between the two babies after birth. The first baby had only a mild infection, but the second suffered sepsis and subsequent perinatal death. These differences in outcome appeared to be due to amniotomy performed for the first baby after late labor stage I to augment uterus contractions. Removal of infectious amniotic fluid from the amniotic cavity might thus have prevented the spread of the chorioamnionitis. <i>E. coli</i> sometimes causes severe infection during pregnancy and the perinatal period. In this case, a large number of enteropathogenic <i>E. coli</i> (serotype O-6) was cultured from blood, stool, pharyngeal swab, gastric juice and puncture fluid from the thoracic cavity of the second baby. O-6 is classified an enterotoxigenic strain mainly causing diarrhea because of endotoxin released from bacteria. O-6 has not hitherto been reported as a cause of severe infection in chorioamnionitis and perinatal sepsis.
Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of the Lung: Antenatal Ultrasound Findings and Fetal-Neonatal Outcome
Authors: De Santis M. , Masini L. , Noia G. , Cavaliere A.F. , Oliva N. , Caruso A. 
Published: April 2003

Seventeen cases of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM) are reported. They were followed up over a period of 1 month to 15 years. Diagnosis was made by prenatal ultrasound. Our purpose was to evaluate the fetal-neonatal outcome and the prognostic elements observable through ultrasound techniques, and to compare all types of CCAM. The outcome observed ranged from total prenatal resolution to postnatal spontaneous regression of the lesion, to complications due to the presence of nonimmune fetal hydrops (NIFH), intrauterine death and the necessity of surgical intervention. In our experience only hydrops represented a negative predictor of outcome since death occurred in all cases with this pathology. In the absence of NIFH, counselling should stress the prevalence of a positive outcome, even in cases of surgical intervention.
Waterbirths: A Comparative Study
Authors: Geissbühler Verena , Eberhard Jakob 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background: </i>Waterbirths were introduced in 1991 as part of a new birth concept which consisted of careful monitoring and birth management, restrictive use of invasive methods and free choice of different birth methods. <i>Methods: </i>After the introduction of this new birth concept a prospective observational study was initiated. All parturients of the region give birth in our clinic without preselection, ours being the only birth clinic of the region. 2% of the parturients will be referred to a larger birth clinic (university clinic) mainly because of preterm births before the end of the 33rd week of pregnancy. Every one of the 7,508 births between November 1991, and May 21, 1997, was analyzed. In this article the birth parameters of mother and child in the most often chosen spontaneous birth methods will be compared to assess the safety of alternative birth methods in general and of waterbirths in particular. 2,014 of these 5,953 spontaneous births were waterbirths, 1,108 were Maia-birthing stool births and 2,362 bedbirths (vacuum extractions not included). <i>Results: </i>The parity and age of the mother as well as the newborn’s birth weight are comparable in all 3 groups: waterbirth, Maia-birthing stool, and bedbirths. An episiotomy was performed in only 12.8% of the births in water, in 27.7% of the births on the Maia-birthing stool and in 35.4% of the bedbirths. These differences are statistically significant. In spite of the highest episiotomy rates, the bedbirths also show the highest 3rd- and 4th-degree laceration rates (4.1%), thus the difference between the rates for bedbirths and alternative births methods for severe lacerations is significant. The mothers’ blood loss is the lowest in waterbirths. Fewer painkillers are used in waterbirths and the experience of birth itself is more satisfying after a birth in water. The average arterial blood pH of the umbilical cord as well as the Apgar scoring at 5 and 10 min are significantly higher after waterbirths. Infections of the neonate do not occur more often after waterbirths. No case of water aspiration or any other perinatal complication of the mother or child which might be water-related was reported. <i>Conclusion: </i>Waterbirths and other alternative forms of birthing such as Maia-birthing stool do not demonstrate higher birth risks for the mother or the child than bedbirths if the same medical criteria are used in the monitoring as well as in the management of birth.
The Resolution of Fetal Hydrops Using Combined Maternal Digoxin and Dexamethasone Therapy in a Case of Isolated Complete Heart Block at 30 Weeks Gestation
Authors: Brackley K.J. , Ismail K.M.K. , Wright J.G.C. , Kilby M.D. 
Published: April 2003

The development of hydrops fetalis in cases of isolated complete heart block is associated with a very poor prognosis. Various pharmacological strategies have been proposed, involving both direct fetal access and transplacental therapy, with inconsistent results in small numbers of subjects. The optimal antenatal management will remain uncertain until multicentre controlled trials are organised. We report the complete resolution of fetal hydrops at 30 weeks of gestation using combination of maternal digoxin and dexamethasone therapy, despite persistence of the complete heart block. A Caesarean section was performed at 37 weeks of gestation due to evidence of fetal intrauterine growth restriction. The baby girl is now 8 months of age and remains well, with a heart rate of 45–50 beats per minute on no medication and without pacing.
Reactivity of Platelets from Healthy Individuals and from Patients with Hematologic Diseases following Incubation with Pegylated RecombinantHuman Megakaryocyte Gr owth and Development Factor in vitro
Authors: Matzdorff A.C. , Kemkes-Matthes B. , Pralle H. 
Published: April 2003

Platelets express the receptor for thrombopoietin. It is possible that thrombopoietin modulates platelet reactivity. We examined the effect of pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) on platelet activation in vitro using flow cytometry. We compared samples from healthy individuals and from patients with various hematologic diseases (AML, myeloma, postchemotherapy). Citrated whole blood was incubated with PEG-rHuMGDF (10 or 100 ng/ml), then a mild stimulus was added (0.1 U thrombin/ml). Blood from healthy individuals showed a significantly higher degree of platelet activation (CD62p expression), microparticle generation, and aggregate formation after incubation with PEG-rHuMGDF+thrombin versus thrombin alone (p < 0.05). However, this difference could not be shown for platelets from patients with thrombocytopenia or other hematologic diseases. The use of PEG-rHuMGDF should be safe and not cause an additional risk of thromboocclusive disease in these patients.
The Quality of Cultural Tools and Cognitive Development: Gal’perin’s Perspective and Its Implications<sup>1</sup>
Authors: Arievitch Igor M. , Stetsenko Anna 
Published: April 2003

Vygotsky theorized that instruction plays a key part in cognitive development by providing culturally evolved cognitive tools which, once internalized by the child, mediate and advance the child’s cognitive functioning. Gal’perin further elaborated this approach arguing that it is the quality (specific character) of cognitive tools (such as concepts, criteria, schemas) acquired by the child that to a large extent defines the specifics of cognitive development. He theoretically explicated and empirically tested an alternative type of instruction which, unlike traditional instruction, directly generated cognitive development by providing cognitive tools of a higher quality (based on theoretical concepts as opposed to empirical concepts). The often overlooked yet important implications of Gal’perinian perspective are: 1) that there is a need for the theory of development to conceptualize and integrate the processes related to learning, and 2) that most existing theories of development capture just one possible version of development – the version that is bound to deficient cognitive tools employed in the currently dominating type of instruction.
Allele Frequency of D17S855 Microsatellite Locus in Japanese People
Authors: Yokozaki Hiroshi , Tahara Eiichi 
Published: April 2003

Allele frequency of D17S855 microsatellite locus, an intragenic polymorphic cytosine-adenine repeat located in the BRCA1 gene, was analyzed in 456 normal tissues of Japanese adults. The frequency of D17S855 microsatellite polymorphism was 77.9% (335/456). The size of D17S855 PCR fragments ranged from 137 to 157 bp. The most frequent allele was 151 bp (29.9%) followed by 149-bp (19.3%), 145-bp (17.5%), and 147-bp (17.0%) fragments. The observed allele distribution of this microsatellite was similar to that of Southern Swedes, while it was quite different from that of European Caucasian specimens deposited in the Genome Database.
Dose-Dependent Effect of Octreotide on Insulin Secretion after OGTT in Obesity
Authors: Bertoli A. , Magnaterra R. , Borboni P. , Marini M.A. , Barini A. , Fusco A. , Bollea M.R. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objective:</b> The present study aimed at evaluating the acute effect of increasing doses of octreotide (OCT), a long-acting somatostatin analogue, on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. <b>Methods:</b> A standard and two other oral glucose tolerance tests 30 min after subcutaneous administration of OCT were performed in randomized order in each subject. Obese subjects received 10, 25, or 50 µg of OCT; control subjects received only 10 and 25 µg. Fifteen obese and 10 control subjects were studied; all of them had a normal glucose tolerance. Plasma glucose and insulin levels were measured at times –30, 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min after the glucose tolerance test. <b>Results:</b> The results demonstrated that, following OCT administration, both control and obese subjects developed a reduced glucose tolerance, a delayed glycemic peak, and an increase of late plasma glucose values. Fasting as well as stimulated insulin secretions were higher in obese subjects as compared with controls, and insulin secretion was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by OCT. <b>Conclusions:</b> These data indicate that the action of OCT might be due to at least two different cooperative mechanisms: (1) a delayed glucose absorption, as suggested by the delay of glycemic peak, and (2) a direct or vagal-mediated effect on β-cells, as suggested by the reduction of the area under the curve values in spite of the elevated late glycemic levels. It is noteworthy that doses of OCT as low as 10 and 25 µg are sufficient to inhibit insulin secretion both in normal and obese subjects.